The Municipality of Kanal ob Soči
The Municipality of Kanal ob Soči lies in the Central Soča Valley and borders with Italy, with Friuli Venezia Giuglia to be exact. Right on the border flows the marvellous River Idrija. The area the Municipality of Kanal ob Soči is divided into three geographical parts: the main part includes the Soča Valley, then there is the hill country which is the area of Kanalski Kolovrat in the West, and the third part is the Banjščice Plateau in the East.
In view of its area (i.e. 147 square kilometres), the Municipality of Kanal ob Soči is considered as a big municipality, but the size of its population (i.e. 5,986) renders it a medium-size municipality. The Municipality is divided into eight local communities: Kanal, Deskle, Ročinj, Kambreško, Lig, Avče, Levpa and Kal nad Kanalom. The largest towns of the Municipality are Kanal and Deskle, each one of them having a population of 2,000.The remaining communities are mostly hamlets or just single and very small villages.
Kanal
Today Kanal is the administrative centre of the Municipality of Kanal ob Soči. Today you can find the municipal building, constructed by Max Fabiani.
In the old centre of the town is the
Kontrada Square, where you can also find a house in the Gothic style with the memorial room of
Marij Kogoj, a monument of the composer Marjan Ganrijelčič, and Josip Kocijančič’s library.
Riko Debenjak’s Gallery is in the renovated defence tower.
In the very heart of the town, you can find Mary’s Church dating from 1431. The high altar is made out of Carrara marble. Apart from the church, there is also firstly, Neptune’s Fountain, constructed in 1815, secondly,
Valentin Stanič’s monument – he was a clergyman and alpinist, and then finally a monument of Marij Kogoj, an expressionistic composer. In the vicinity, you can also admire the monument of the founder of the national library, Josip Kocijančič, and that of the painter Ivan Čargo.
The History of Kanal
This Mediaeval town with its rich cultural heritage lies on the banks of the River Soča, which are linked by means of a wonderful two-arch bridge. The origins of the town lie in the flow of the River Soča. In the area of Petrucka, it is said that a bridge would have existed already in Roman times, and it is here that the settlement would have originated. Kanal and its area were first mentioned in a document from 1140, where it was written that the Count of Gorica, Henrik Ist, gave the feudal estate of the area
from Ročin to Kanal, to the cloister in Rožanc near Udine. Kanal developed into a settlement surrounded by walls. The population of the area made their living from handicraft and trading. In the Middle Ages, Kanal belonged to the Count of Gorica and to the patriarch of Aquileia. After 1500, the regime changed many times: from the Count of Rabatta (from 1624 to 1794) to the Count of Coronini (from 1794 onwards). From the mid-fifteenth century onwards, the area was invaded by the Turks and Kanal provided the defence. The Turks invaded in
the years 1469, 1477 and again in 1488. Bad times continued even after the Turkish invasions. In the periods between 1508 and 1515, and 1615 and 1619 war between Austria and Venice broke out. Even though Venice succeeded in taking control of Kanal on two occasions, it had to withdraw from Kanal later on. Following this, comes the time of the Illyrian Provinces (dating from 1809 to 1813) and the
arrival of Napoleon, who also stayed in Kanal. He spent a night in the Kanal Castle, which unfortunately has not survived to this day. Legend has it that his white, gold-shoed horse perished in the castle. The horse was buried in a place close to the castle, after which the fallow land took the name Konjevo. With regards to industry, Kanal began developing mostly with the arrival of the Italian weavers, who started a weaving business and spinning mill. With that, the number of local tradesmen increased. Cultural development and the desire for the development of the personal and national identity greatly increased as well. Various associations were established, the first one being the Reading Society, established in 1848, which was a precursor to the National Reading Society, the latter being officially established in 1867. Its members were mostly the Slovenians, who kept organizing different academic and social evenings in reading societies. Following that there was the Fire-Fighting Society, which had continually been playing an important role and was established from the original Firewatcher, which had been created in 1863. During the
First World War, by order of Austrian authorities, Kanal was evacuated due to the Soča Front passing by there. Many houses as well as Kanal’s bridge, which was renovated for the last time after the First World War, was damaged and destroyed in bitter battles. After the War, the entire coastal area belonged to Italy, as did Kanal, which had still been a Municipality and as such, it had belonged to the province of Gorica. After the War, there were 714 inhabitants in Kanal, and 1,993 inhabitants in total including the surrounding areas. During the two Wars, the tourism kept developing as well. They were mostly Italians who were willing to make excursions to the surrounding hills, which even nowadays offer many tourist attractions for either discovering or relaxing in the countryside. Shortly after the Second World War, Kanal did not belong to Yugoslavia due to the division of the coast into two zones. The A-Zone, including also Kanal, was under the Anglo-American government, while the B-Zone was under the Yugoslavian government. After the union of the Littoral to its native land in 1947, Kanal came under the new Yugoslavian government as well. Kanal kept the status of a municipality up until 1962, when a new municipal reform resulted in Kanal becoming part of the Municipality of Nova Gorica. Kanal only became an independent municipality again in 1994.
Today Kanal is a modern place, which, apart from various, well-developed small businesses, offers great attention to the development of tourism. Thanks to its unspoilt environment and marvellous surrounding hills, it offers many possibilities for either relaxation or discovering new paths, new people, customs, culture and history.
Kanal’s Bridge
Kanal's Bridge, which was made of wood at first, was built in 1580. Throughout the history, it was demolished and reconstructed many times. The French, advancing towards Austria, destroyed it for the first time. Of course, the bridge was reconstructed and then, after French’s leaving, it was destroyed again. Thanks to Valentin Stanič (a priest, mountaineer, doctor, typographer and the founder of the school in the village of Banjščice), the bridge was reconstructed again in 1816. After that, the war settled the fate of the bridge. On 25th May 1915, the bridge was blown up, while in 1920, it was reconstructed again, and such bridge has preserved up to this day. The bridge was spared from destruction in the Second World War.
Kanal’s bridge is certainly the representative symbol of the town of Kanal, as well as a place that is worth seeing. It arouses the attention of many artists and visitors from far and wide. The scenery of the place with its wonderful bridge is represented in many paintings. The bridge, in fact, is the place that attract visitors' attention, for several summer time traditional events, such as popular
diving from the bridge and, in the recent years, also the World Cup Diving, take place right on the bridge.
The Parish Church of St. Mary
The church is situated right in the place, where pilgrim’s church used to be. Three-part presbytery with an arch in a star like ribbed form is thought to be, as far as its engraved date on the pillar is concerned, the oldest one of this type in Slovenia. The aisle in the Baroque style with its monumental Palladiev’s façade was built between 1787 and 1795. The higher marble altar was built in 1760 by the stonecutters from Gorica, whereas the lateral altars were built in 1662 and 1689. The fresco representing the Assumption of St. Mary, which is on the aisle ceiling, was produced in 1931. The vaults that date back to the same time as there was still a cemetery in the proximity of the church have also been preserved.
Neptune’s Fountain
Neptune's Fountain was produced in 1815 with the help of the Count Coronini. It is believed that it is a work by the sculptor M. Chierigin from Padova. In the past, it was used for water collecting. The women used to take the water from this fountain with water containers made of wood. Informally, the locals from Kanal used to name the fountain Matija. At first, the fountain was situated on the opposite side of the road. Only in 1937, it was moved to the place where it is situated still today.
The Gothic House
The Gothic House is situated in the immediate vicinity of the gallery. It is built in the Gothic style in the 11th century. Inside the house there is a library and a memorial room of Marij Kogoj. In the upper and lower floors of the house there are rooms where various social meetings take place. Josip Kocijančič's Library is open every Tuesday and Thursday, from 5pm to 7pm.
Kanal's Castle
Unfortunately, there is only history about Kanal’s Castle that has preserved. There are no written sources about the caste, even though it was mentioned in a document from 1264. After having changed many owners, in 1624, the castle became the property of Count Rabbata, Sirs from Kanal. After their death, the castle became the propriety of the Count Coronini, who later on sold the castle to the French Duc de Blacas and their co-owners. That happened in 1830. The new proprietors transformed the castle into a business palace, and then, in 1903, they resold it again to the Count Coronini. Up to the First World War, the Austrian Seventh hunting battalion used to live in this place, but later on its members were sent to the front. When Italy declared war to Austria, and the front line approached Kanal, Italian grenades destroyed the castle.
After the First World War, the architect Nibrant restored the castle and changed it again into a business palace. Later on Nibrant was made bankrupt, and the castle was sold at auction. After having been bought by an Italian from Udine, by Mr Del Valle, the castle finally was passed over to the people.
But today, almost nothing has been preserved from the castle. Despite that, in Kanal there is a part of the town, the Castle area, named after the Castle.
It is believed that Napoleon himself spent a night in the castle. In that very night his horse perished, and was thus buried in the vicinity of the castle. That is why this place was named after Napoleon's horse, i.e. Na Konjevem. It is after Napoleon that several bridges in the Municipality of Kanal were given the name.
Relaxation along the River Soča
Apart from many other ways of having fun in the natural beauty, during the summer, visitors can enjoy the relaxation and refreshment of swimming in Soča. In Kanal, there are many pleasant watering places; in fact, the sand beach is being regarded as a special place. During the summer, the water is just perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Apart from enjoying laziness and sunbathing, you can also admire old buildings with a Gothic house in the front, which, together with the bridge, form a marvellous picture of the small town of Kanal.
In the vicinity of the sand beach, there will be a proper place for camping that enables you to have a very nice holiday in touch with nature. Apart from this, you can also visit other attractions of the whole community.
Il The most important tourist and cultural events in the Municipality are:
Culture week in Deskle: Deskle, in February
Every year the Deskle Freedom Cultural Assiciation organises the traditional Cultural Week in Deskle. Being this a Cultural Festival, culture lovers are offered several cultural events with activities including music, theatre, dancing performances, various exhibitions and much more.
The tradition March following Valentin Stanič: Setting out from Solkan to Kanal, in March and April
The March is organised annually by the Valentin Stanič Mountain Association from Kanal. The march usually starts in Solkan, then passing through the Sabotin Hill towards the Soča Valley, it proceeds in the direction of Kanal. All the walkers from Slovenia take part in the march.
Downhill cycle race: The village of Avče, in April
Downhill cycle race is organised by the Avče Culture Association. There are many sportsmen participating at the event; these being downhill cycling lovers from the whole of Slovenia as well as from the boarding countries.
Days of Culture below Globočak: Kambreško, in May and June
The Days of Culture are organised by the Globočak and Kambreško Tourist and Recreational Association. During the first summer months, the locals and the visitors are offered a culture meeting with various Slovenian as well as foreign groups.
World Cup Diving from the Bridge: Kanal, in July
The event is organised by the Municipality of Kanal ob Soči with the assistance of many Associations from Kanal as well as of the Kanal Local Community. The divers jump into the water from a height of 23 metres. That is why it was necessary to elevate the bridge from a height of 17 to a height of 23 metres.
The Kontrada Festival: Kanal, in July
The Kontrada Festival is annually organised by Kanal's youth club, where ethno music is mainly performed. The Festival is held in the magic place of the Kontrada Square in July.
Donkey Reces: Levpa, in August
Donkey Races are organised by the Levpa sports, cultural and tourist Association in August. It is a real competition with the main goal being fun and entertaining (and not being the first), what are the consequences of the racers and participants’ effort.
Diving from the bridge: Kanal, in August
This is the most popular event in the Municipality of Kanal ob Soči, which attracts many visitors' attention. The divers jump into the water from a height of 17 metres. Every year, the event is opened by an exhibition of old-timer vehicles, which is organised by the Kanal Tourist Organisation.
Theatre on the Kontrada Square: Kanal, in August
That is a traditional meeting of amateur theatre groups. Every year, the Festival is organised by the Kontrada Kanal Amateur Theatre Association. The Festival is held outdoors - on the Kontrada Square. When the weather is bad, the performances are moved into the Cultural House in Deskle.
Kogoj's Days of Culture: Kanal, in September, October, November
This Festival is held in many different places: in Kanal, in the Zemono Mansion, in Grado, Trieste and in many other locations. It is annually organised by the Soča Cultural Association.
Chestnut Festival: Lig, in October
The traditional chestnut festival has been organised since 1969. It represents the tradition of collecting and using chestnuts as it was in the past and as it is today. At the Chestnut festival, you can either taste or buy chestnut, which is prepared in many different ways. The Festival is organised by the Kolovrat Lig Tourist Association.
The Traditional March on the Globočak Hill: Kambreško, Globočak, in October
Every year, the March on the Globočak Hill is organised on the fourth Sunday in October by the Globočak Tourist and Entertaining Association in cooperation with the Regional Association of War Veterans for Slovenia. The march is organised in honour of the victims that fell in World War I and other wars.
The map
The plan of Kanal
