Castelliere di Monrupino

Probably built upon the ruins of a prehistoric settlement, the fortified village of Monrupino has been inhabited to this day. Also known as Repentabor (Slovenian for fort) the village is strategically located and for this reason was fortified in Roman and Medieval times, becoming an important military post used by the Romans, the Avars and the Slavs. Today the village consists of a small group of houses, built in typical Karst-like style, huddled on one side of a square. First recorded in the 12th century, the village played an important defensive role both under Patriarchal and Austrian rule. In the 16th century, with the end of the Turkish invasions, it became strategically redundant and emerged as a religious centre. A monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built on the ruins of a 10th century chapel; the complex comprises, alongside with the church, a Medieval town hall and a small group of stone houses.