Rupnik Line

The idea of building fortifications along the Italian border with Yugoslavia emerged in 1935, to counter the construction of the Alpine Wall amidst gradual worsening of relations between the two states. In 1936 a decree was passed officially to begin designing the new fortification system along the border. The construction itself only began in 1937[1][4] or 1938.[5][6] Such a large scale operation significantly decreased the effects of ongoing economic crisis in the region, as well as boosted living standards, as the state employed around 15,000 workers at the beginning, with the number increasing to around 60,000 workers of whom approximately 40,000 were army reservists at the peak in 1941.[1] Around 4,000 bunkers and bunker complexes were finished or partially built before the Axis invasion.[5]

The Yugoslav leadership had few experiences in planning large-scale defence positions, so the defence line was largely inspired by various similar French complexes, mainly the Maginot Line.

Sectors of Rupnik defense line.

The plan envisaged two parallel lines of bunkers to be built, with all of them interconnected. There was no effort to conceal the positions, in order to potentially enhance the psychological effect it might have on the opposing side.

The whole line was divided into 6 sectors, with sectors numbered lower having higher importance;

1st sector: Most vital position, Postojna Gate is a passing which allows lowest crossing of Dinaric Alps.

2nd sector: Its role was to protect Dalmatia from being invaded

3rd sector: Served as border enhancement between Škofja Loka and Vrhnika.

4th sector: Protection of Selca Valley.

5th sector: Border enhancement between Čabar and Cerknica.

6th sector: Its construction commenced after anschluss in Austria, was to serve against a possible invasion through Austrian territory. Located between Gornja Radgona and Dravograd[3][5]

The line was improperly prepared for the Axis invasion that took place in April 1941, as its construction was expected to conclude in 1947. Yugoslavian military budget was largely exhausted by the time of invasion, and both attacking forces had a superior military force. As a consequence, the line was poorly defended and largely abandoned during the incursion of Italy and Germany. Part of the 6th sector near Dravograd managed to hold positions for three days before abandoning the outposts.[7] Other notable cases of resistance were on April 8 on Mount Blegoš, Gozd Martuljek and in Kastav near Rijeka on April 9. Some forces managed to push back the invaders to Cerkno, but ultimately retreated.[3]

Many of the objects in the Italian-annexed zone were destroyed to prevent use by enemy Partisans as well as to get to the much needed metals located in the walls of these fortifications.[5]

One of the remaining bunkers on the Rupnik line

All of the fortifications remained in the territory of socialist Yugoslavia after the war. The majority of the buildings were abandoned, save for a few used by the armed forces. Following the breakup of Yugoslavia the line gained recognition and a thematic trail for tourists was established, though the area is still administered by the Ministry of Defense. Fortifications at Goli Vrh and Hrast Hill are being renovated for tourist services.[8][9]

• Alpine Wall
• Maginot Line
• Czechoslovak border fortifications
• Metaxas Line
• Siegfried Line

• Potočnik J., Aleksander: Fortifying Europe's Soft Underbelly, Merriam Press, Bennington VT, 2010.
• Potočnik J., Aleksander: Rupnikova linija, odkrivanje utrdb ob rapalski meji, Ad Pirum, Logatec, 2009.
• Potočnik J., Aleksander: Utrdbe na Slovenskem / Slovenian fortifications, Ad Pirum, Logatec, 2008.
• Habrnál, Miloš: Rupnikova črta in druge jugoslovanske utrdbe iz obdobja 1926-1941, J. Škoda - Fortprint, Dvůr Králové nad Labem, 2005
• Potočnik J., Aleksander: Rupnikova linija in Alpski zid, utrjevanje Rapalske meje med letoma 1932 in 1941, Galerija 2, Vrhnika, 2004.
• Jankovič (Potočnik), Aleksander: La ligne Rupnik. Histoire d'une ligne fortifiée yougoslave et ce qu'il en reste, 39/45 Magazine, no 207, Editions Heimdal, Bayeux, 2003
• Jankovič (Potočnik), Aleksander: The Rupnik Line – Yugoslavia's western front, FORT Journal, no 29, FSG, 2001