Čezsoča - VILLAGE OF REBELS
Čezsoča is a very special village – a universe in miniature. Its history is full of dramatic changes. In just the last two hundred years, it has changed hands 12 times and been under the administration of 9 different capitals…
Villa Korošec
The old house, known as “Pri Korošcu,” stood here for centuries. During the First World War, the house was demolished due to artillery shelling, like all other houses in the village. After the war, the Italian occupying authorities rebuilt the demolished houses, but the Korošec family perished in a refugee camp, leaving the property vacant until 1990. In 1994, we renovated and converted the house for tourism purposes, still retaining its rustic charm.
Apartment Pjerta
The apartment Pjerta is named after the mythological figure Pjerta. According to legend, Pjerta lived in the Pjerta cave in the village of Čezsoča, within the rocks of Mount Polovnik. The entrance to the cave is clearly visible from the entrance of the apartment. Pjertas were mischievous beings – they had feet turned backward. They appeared between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6th) and helped parents keep their children at home. Even today, the silence at night in Čezsoča is truly silent. Similar beings have appeared in other parts of Europe: Percht or Berchta (Germany), Befana (Italy), Tante Airie (France), Perhta (Czech Republic).
15 FACTS ABOUT ČEZSOČA
Oldest Written Description
Čezsoča has the oldest written description of the election procedure of the village mayor in Slovenia from 1671. The village was first mentioned in a document in 1306.
Historical Changes
Over the last two centuries, Čezsoča changed 12 states and belonged to 8 capitals: Ljubljana, Vienna, Zagreb, Rome, Berlin, Belgrade, Kobarid, and Triest. In the Middle Ages, its capital was Venice.
Population Changes
In 1910, Čezsoča had 699 inhabitants. Nowadays, it has three times less.
World War I Destruction
Čezsoča once had 168 houses. Every single one of them was destroyed during World War I, and the majority of them were rebuilt afterward.
Notable Figures During World War I
In Čezsoča, Benito Mussolini was a soldier during World War I, while Ernest Hemingway and Erwin Rommel were fighting in its close vicinity.
Oppression and Resistance
From 1922-1943, 51 village inhabitants were imprisoned by Italian fascist authorities for up to 30 years because they dared to speak and sing in the Slovenian language.
The Republic of Kobarid
The independent state Republic of Kobarid, with 1,400 square kilometers and an army of 5,000 soldiers, was established by Čezsoča villager Ferdo Kravanja alias Peter Skalar in 1943 and lasted for 52 days. About 70 soldiers were from Čezsoča.
World War II Bombardment
24 buildings were knocked down during the bombardment of the German army in October 1943.
2004 Earthquake
45 buildings were knocked down in an earthquake in 2004.
Public Fountains
Čezsoča has 10 public fountains which were once centers of ten village quarters.
Winter Shadow
During the three winter months, Čezsoča is the whole day in the shadow of Polovnik hill. The lowest temperature was measured in 1968: -18 degrees Celsius. The village's patron is St. Antony of Egypt, celebrated on January 17th, marking the return of sunlight to Čezsoča after the winter break.
Architectural Reconstruction
The reconstruction of the church after World War I (in 1927) was most probably designed by Maks Fabiani. The square in front of it (under construction) was designed by Boris Podrecca.
Natural Healing
Slatenik is a brook flowing over manganese ore that accelerates the creation of collagen and is known for its skin-healing effects.
Čezsoča on the Big Screen
In 2007, Čezsoča was a filming location for "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian."
Local Measurement Unit
The village has its own area measurement: one keznyenk is equal to 702 square meters.