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TRAIL TO THE VALLO ALPINO FORTIFICATIONS
The hill rising southeast above Pivka is called Primož (718m). The spot where a small church dedicated to St. Primus (Slovene Primož) and St. Felician used to stand was already inhabited in the Iron Age and the Roman period. The hill always bore an important strategic position as it offers a clear view on the entire Pivka basin. The dominant position of Primož was especially valued between both World Wars, when the Italians built one of the largest fortifications of the Vallo Allpino complex. The main fortification was in command of fourteen smaller forts. There is an arched hallway leading into this typical Vallo Alpino fortification and the rooms and hallways are dug into the bedrock and smoothed with concrete. When Italy surrendered, the Italians left the fortifications and the locals emptied them of anything that was useful. In 1944 the Germans blew up the eastern parts of the stronghold on Primož for fear that the Allies or the partisans might occupy it. Within the Park of Military History, a formal opening of the 1,500m theme trail to the Vallo Alpino fortifications took place in May 2007. The trail begins at the old Italian barracks, in front of the pavilion with the tank and artillery collection, and leads over the abandoned military training ground to the top of Primož taking about 45 minutes on foot. There are 12 information boards along the trail pointing to various local features and the history of the upper Pivka basin. The trail is appropriate for visitors of all generations. It can be walked any time, while the visit to the underground fort is only possible with a guide at Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at 5 P.M.
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