Tonovc castle
Kobarid
The Tonovc Castle is an archaeological site located on a rocky hill extremely well-protected by means of natural elements. It is located on the right bank of the river Soča, not far from the town of Kobarid. Archaeological excavations conducted so far have proven it was settled during several different historical periods. The earliest traces date back to the second half of the 3rd century AD, when this location was used as a refuge by the inhabitants of the valley. In the late 4th century and in the first half of the 5th century, a rather large garrison set up its base at the Tonovc Castle. A settlement dating back to the second half of the 5th century and the 6th century, which was 150 x 120 metres in size and had double defensive walls, contained a number of residential buildings built of stone and four early Christian churches.
Several finds have been discovered in the three explored churches, namely clergy pews and altars, as well as a baptistery in the central church, and an ambon (a pulpit) in the northern church.
The diverse finds have confirmed the site was settled by mostly indigenous people, while individual elements also point to the presence of the eastern Goths and the Langobards. In the late 6th century or somewhat later, the stronghold was abandoned and was settled again in the 9th century, albeit for a brief period.
