Cave del Predil
Welcome to Cave del Predil!
Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover the history of one of the most fascinating towns in the Italian high mountains? Today we take you to explore Cave del Predil, a small mountain hamlet located at 900 meters in the Val del Rio del Lago.
Physical Geography
Surrounded by the mountains of Cinque Punte, Monte Re, Jôf del Lago and Cima del Lago, Cave del Predil offers a breathtaking natural spectacle. But that's not all! Here you can also find the famous Passo del Predil which connects Italy to Slovenia, and the picturesque Lago del Predil, a popular destination for hikers and water sports enthusiasts.
History
But Cave del Predil is not only nature and adventure, it is also history. In fact, the town owes its existence and its Italian name to the famous lead and zinc mines of Monte Re, which were active until 1991. But the history of the Raibl mine, as it was originally called, dates back much further, to the pre-Roman era.
The first historical document that mentions the mining activity dates back to 1320, when Duke Frederick I of Austria granted a mining license to a group of miners. Over the centuries, the mine changed hands, until it became part of the possessions of the Habsburgs in 1759.
As was often the case during that time, the life of the miners was not easy, and in 1835 they had to organize a strike. The events escalated and the revolt was only quelled thanks to the intervention of the military authorities. In 1890, however, the town made history by building the first hydroelectric power plant, which brought energy into the homes of the people of Cave del Predil.
But the Cave del Predil mine needed continuous renovations and expansions, and so in 1898 the construction of the Bretto tunnel began, which allowed the drainage of water from the deeper levels. The tunnel, 4844 meters long, was inaugurated in 1905, but a terrible accident happened right in front of the people of Cave del Predil. On January 8, 1910, a wall collapsed, causing water from the lake above to flood into the mine. Seven people lost their lives, including the doctor, his wife, son, a cook, maid, a retired police sergeant and his wife.
In 1917, during World War I, the mining tunnel was transformed into a railway line, which managed to transport 170 tons of material and 600 soldiers per day.
Conclusion
And so, after journeying through the mountains and breathing in the history, we have reached the end of our visit to Cave del Predil. A town rich in charm and tradition, which has managed to preserve its natural and cultural heritage intact. All that remains is to wish you a safe journey, and remember to also visit the other towns in the area: Tarvisio, Sella Nevea, and much more! Until next time!
