Matajur, Limestone mountain in Julian Alps, Italy and Slovenia
Matajur is a limestone mountain at the border between Italy and Slovenia, rising to 1,642 meters within the Julian Alps. The massif displays distinctive rock formations shaped by its geological history and located on the boundary between the two nations.
The mountain was known as Mons Regis in the 7th century and later received the name Monte Majori. These name changes reveal how the region came under different cultural influences over the centuries.
The name Matajur blends Italian and Slovenian roots, reflecting the shared identity of this border region. Visitors from both countries meet at the summit and experience a place that belongs to both cultures.
Multiple hiking trails ascend from both the Italian and Slovenian sides, with the southern route from Rifugio Pelizzo being especially beginner-friendly. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changeable mountain weather conditions.
During World War I, Matajur played a key role in the Battle of Caporetto, when German and Austro-Hungarian forces captured this strategic position. The mountain became the scene of intense fighting that significantly altered the course of war in this region.
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