A Carinthian Atmosphere
Val Canale/Kanalska dolina sits at the crossroads of Italy, Austria and Slovenia, right on the border. Historically, it has always maintained a close connection with the local populations, as it was part of Carinthia until 1919.
Even at the valley’s entrance, you can see how the older buildings differ in style from those in Carnia and Friuli. Tarvisio/Trbiž continues to be a commercial hub and is increasingly evolving into a tourist town, with tourism becoming more important throughout the year.
Living in Harmony with Alpine Traditions
Before the First World War, the valley was mostly home to a German-speaking population involved in trade and mining. Today, Slovenes mainly reside in Valbruna/Ovčja vas, Camporosso/Žabnice, and Ugovizza/Ukve, where some continue to practice traditional farming and mountain herding. Slovene songs fill the air during religious ceremonies and the summer festival of Poletni žegen, a celebration marking the passage to adulthood.
Where Three Cultures Meet
The valley was once threaded with busy trade routes connecting the Upper Sava Valley, the Soča Valley, and Carinthia, making Val Canale a crossroads for Germanic, Slavic, and Latin cultures.
Today, this blend of influences is especially evident in two key spots: Mount Lussari/Višarje and the Triple Border. The church on Mount Lussari, surrounded by inns and eateries, attracts tourists year-round and is known as the Sanctuary of the Three Peoples. The Triple Border, on Mount Forno/Peč, marks the meeting point of three nations and is part of an international network of peace monuments. Each year, representatives from these communities gather here.
Da vicino
L’associazione Planika e la vita culturale nella Val Canale
Il Monte Lussari
