In Čiginj, local remembrance is connected with two different ways to explore the area: the Walk of Peace to Mengore and the Pri Čiginju climbing area. There are also marble plaques bearing the names of farmsteads on 70 houses. When planning a stay, it helps to keep these highlights separate: history and walking routes on the one hand, climbing on the other.
Memorial Sites and Farmstead Names
Classified as a memorial heritage site, the Čiginj monument commemorates fallen fighters of the National Liberation Army (NOV) and victims of wartime violence. Erected in 1969, the monument consists of a torch-shaped concrete column with five plaques naming villages, as well as additional plaques bearing the names of the fallen.
Heading from Nova Gorica toward Tolmin, the monument is just past Čiginj and shortly before Volče, opposite the Gostol factory on the right-hand side of the road. Check current road conditions before setting out. The Znamenje pri Ušniku in Čiginj is also protected at its authentic location.
The “Nomen est omen” project commemorates farmsteads in a different way: in 2011, marble plaques bearing the names of farmsteads were installed on 70 houses. This made Čiginj the first village in Slovenia to do so. The plaques spread these names across many houses, creating a different emphasis from that of the single monument.
The Walk of Peace to Mengore
The Walk of Peace (Pot miru) up to Mengore starts at the NOB monument on the rise beside the road between Volče and Čiginj. Its approach passes cleared Austro-Hungarian defensive positions on the Isonzo Front. The starting point and the military remains are thus part of a single historical route.
The trail from the Volče–Čiginj road to Mengore is easy and unmarked. Take both details into account when planning, and check the current trail conditions before setting out. The lack of markings affects navigation, not the stated difficulty level.
Climbing at Pri Čiginju
The Pri Čiginju climbing area has 45 routes graded from 4c to 7c. The area features white limestone. Before climbing, check current conditions and the equipment you will need; the number of routes and stated grade range do not replace this preparation.
From the parking area, it takes about five minutes on foot to reach the base of the climbing wall. The short approach crosses a field to the edge of the forest. Check parking options locally. Planning here therefore differs from planning for the route to Mengore: at Pri Čiginju, you need to consider the climbing conditions and equipment, as well as the journey there.
Discover more destinations: Žaga, Dolenja Trebuša, Kamno, Koseč, Srpenica, Soča, Robidišče, Kobarid
For the broader travel overview: Tolmin.
