Plave offers two distinct points of interest: traces of the First World War and routes for walking or cycling. St. Aloysius Chapel was built in December 1916 near a military cemetery. In the following months, its interior was decorated with murals depicting scenes from the war. They show Italian soldiers raising the Italian tricolour on Mount Prižnica, as well as an attack by Italian infantry across a pontoon bridge near Plave in the direction of Prižnica. These images make the chapel a tangible memorial site in its own right.

Traces of the First World War

The church of St. John the Baptist provides another historical point of reference. It is said to have been built in 1866, was destroyed during the First World War and rebuilt in the 20th century. Its style is Neo-Romanesque. The chapel is notable for its murals and wartime scenes, while the church’s building history and architecture can be explored as subjects in their own right.

Walking the Walk of Peace

Stage 7A of the Walk of Peace starts in Plave. Its starting car park is next to Plave railway station. The section near Plave follows an old military supply road built by Italian soldiers. The route itself is therefore connected with the history of the First World War and complements the memorial sites in the village with a historic path.

Another walking option is the circular trail through Prižnica Memorial Park, which starts just above Plave. The park is in the municipality of Kanal ob Soči and forms part of the Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic. Remains of Austro-Hungarian trenches and fortified positions are still visible there. Unlike Stage 7A, this route is a circular trail through a memorial park with visible remains of fortifications.

St. Aloysius Chapel can be reached from a small gravel car park about half a kilometre from Plave. Check local access conditions before your visit. It is also a good idea to check the current parking situation at the starting car park for Stage 7A.

Cycling along the Soča

The Plave–Solkan section of the Soča Cycle Route follows a cycle path and is suitable for families. The Plave–Nova Gorica cycle route runs right alongside the emerald-green Soča at the foot of Sabotin. Different aspects are therefore relevant when choosing a cycling route: the cycle path and its suitability for families on the Plave–Solkan section, and the route along the river and Sabotin on the way towards Nova Gorica.

During the summer months, you can cool off in the Soča River along the Soča Cycle Route. If you plan to do so, check the river conditions locally. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Plave, these different points of interest can help you decide where to start: history and walking routes, or cycling along the Soča.

Discover more destinations: Kojsko, Solkan, Bilje, Kanal, Miren, Lokve, Renče, Šempas

For the wider travel overview: Nova Gorica.