Where Italy meets Slovenia and Austria

And already, the title should make you guess that we are talking about mountains. As far as we are concerned, one of the most beautiful places on the Italian border, the Monte Santo di Lussari, a mountain 1789 meters above sea level, and the Julian Alps’ pearl, the Cima del Cacciatore, with its 2200 meters of height. We have many reasons to love this place, ranging from the stories that characterize the territory to the boundless green we can enjoy in peace.

The Territory of Monte Santo di Lussari

If you are lucky enough to visit this place, get ready for a breathtaking view. From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy the frame of the hills below that will give you an immediate idea of how high you are. You can then stop in one of the many shelters that populate the mountain, some of which have been transformed into accommodation for tourists or typical trattorias, where you can taste genuine dishes and local recipes.

Monte Santo di Lussari - church
The sanctuary of Monte Santo di Lussari – Svete Višarje

This is a very versatile territory that satisfies the tourist needs of different types of people. If you like hiking, Monte Santo di Lussari is full of CAI paths that you can visit alone, in groups, and with or without a guide. If you want to climb the mountain, there are some walls dedicated to climbing lovers. During the winter months, Ski lovers will enjoy one of the most fun ski slopes in the area. If instead, you want a quiet vacation of relaxation, there is a very convenient cable car that will take you to the top of the mountain and from which you can easily reach the station to get away from the hill.

The sanctuary of Monte Santo di Lussari

There is a small village on the top of the mountain, which was built and grew up around the picturesque and evocative Sanctuary of Monte Santo di Lussari. The sanctuary rises in that precise point thanks to a legend that wants that a shepherd, who had lost his sheep, found them on the mountain, kneeling in front of a bush of mugo pine in the center of which stood the Madonna and Child. The sanctuary’s first church was built around 1300, but the current one dates back to 1600 and still welcomes hordes of devoted pilgrims.

Video: Monte Santo di Lussari – Svete Višarje

But it is not only pilgrims who want to reach the church. The sanctuary of Monte Santo di Lussari is also the destination of many hikers who reach it on foot from the Sentiero del Pellegrino (Pilgrim’s Path), famous because it crosses both the forest of Tarvisio and the path made by the cable car. If you don’t like walking, that’s the right solution for you.

The trip by cable car takes about 15 minutes, and it is useless to try to describe the beauty of the view: you have to see it for yourself at least once in your life. The cost is 14 ? for the round trip.

Places in the surroundings of Monte Santo di Lussari 

Monte Santo di Lussari is also known as Svete Višarje, or the ancient Slovenian peaks, precisely because its rock tells old stories. 

And the environmental interest that characterizes this area also makes it a destination for those who love to contact nature. This part of the Julian and Carnic Alps preserves some hidden gems such as the Predil and Fusine lakes.

From Monte Santo di Lussari there are several itineraries that allow you to explore the surrounding area
Monte Santo di Lussari is full of CAI paths that you can visit on your own

From Monte Santo di Lussari several itineraries allow you to explore the surrounding area. If you suffer from vertigo but love nature, it is unnecessary to climb up to the Cima del Cacciatore to enjoy nature and a spectacular view. Even halfway up the mountain, you can experience green expanses in which to rest and small villages animated by friendly and extremely hospitable people, always happy to welcome tourists.

When to visit Monte Santo di Lussari

The climate is continental with icy winters, given its altitude. It is one of the snowiest Italian peaks, and it is also a stormy area even in the summer months. Temperatures, however, rarely reach 30 ° even in the hottest seasons. We, therefore, recommend visiting Monte Santo di Lussari in the summer, or from December to March, when the climate is cold but dry, and you can devote yourself to winter sports.

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