Perched in the Julian Alps, this mountain village features a 14th-century sanctuary, panoramic views, and ski slopes. Its unique location bridges Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian cultures.
Monte Lussari, or Monte Santo di Lussari in full, rising 1,789 meters in Italy's Julian Alps, offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This alpine destination is home to a small village with a 14th-century sanctuary, ski slopes, and hiking trails. Located at the intersection of Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, Monte Lussari's unique position is reflected in its local culture.
Monte Lussari sits in the northeastern corner of Italy, in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. The mountain is part of the Julian Alps, close to the Austrian and Slovenian borders. From its summit, you can see the rock faces of Jof di Montasio, Jof Fuart, and Mangart. The area around Monte Lussari includes the Tarvisio Forest, which hosts a variety of plant and animal species.
Most visitors reach Monte Lussari's summit by cable car from Camporosso. During the 15-minute ride, you'll see the landscape change below you. As you ascend, you'll notice forests giving way to rocky peaks. At the top, you can look out over the Julian Alps and the valleys. On clear days, you might even catch glimpses of Austria and Slovenia.
If you prefer walking, Monte Lussari has several hiking routes. The Pilgrim's Path (Sentiero del Pellegrino) starts in Camporosso and winds through the Tarvisio Forest. This 10-kilometer trail takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and climbs 950 meters. In summer, you can explore other paths that lead to nearby peaks or connect to longer routes like the Alpe Adria Trail.
In winter, Monte Lussari transforms into a skiing destination. The Di Prampero ski run starts from the summit and descends over 1,000 meters, challenging experienced skiers. The area also has trails for cross-country skiing through the snowy landscape. On certain evenings, you can ski under the stars on illuminated slopes.
The village at Monte Lussari's summit has several restaurants and rifugios (mountain huts) serving local dishes. The food incorporates elements from Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian cooking. You might try goulaschsuppe (goulash soup) in a bread bowl, or local cured meats and cheeses. Many restaurants have terraces with mountain views.
The Sanctuary of Monte Lussari, dating from the 14th century, stands at the center of the village. Local legend tells of a shepherd who found a statue of the Madonna and Child in a pine bush on the mountain. After several attempts to move the statue, it kept returning to its original spot. This event led to the building of a chapel, which grew into the current sanctuary. The church continues to attract pilgrims from Italy, Slovenia, and Austria.
To visit Monte Lussari, first travel to Tarvisio, the closest town. You can reach Tarvisio by car or train from Venice (about 2.5 hours by car) or Ljubljana, Slovenia (about 1.5 hours). From Tarvisio, drive to Camporosso to find the cable car station. The cable car runs daily from late May to September and during ski season in winter. Check the current schedule and prices before you go, as they change with the seasons. If you're driving, you'll find parking at the cable car station in Camporosso.
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