The town's name, for some historians, derives from the Latin "caput ripae" for the particular protected location of the main center, while for others, it derives from Slovene with the meaning of "nettle". Municipality in the province of Gorizia, located in a hilly area, crossed by the river Versa, suitable for the cultivation of vines, the nearby surroundings offers the opportunity to engage in various sports, including fishing, trekking and biking and to enjoy the superb views of picturesque spots, in full contact with the local environment. The economy is mainly based on agriculture, small handicraft industries and commerce.
The area was colonized by the Romans, but when the Empire fell, it remained without order and defense and was easy prey of the Barbarians. The Lombards settled here in the Middle Ages and became part of the territories under the domain of the Patriarchs of Aquileia. The Patriarchate ended in the first half of the XV, when it was conquered by the Venetians. La Serenissima held the control until the end of the XVIII century, when with the Treaty of Campoformido, the domain passed to Austria. In 1866 it was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy.
Attractions:
- the Parish Church of the Holy Name of Mary, dating from the XVI century and rebuilt in the XIX, inside it preserves a XVI century baptismal font and some Baroque altars, the largest of which is enriched by a statue of the Virgin;
- the Church of the Holy Trinity, built in the first half of the XVI century, preserves inside an interesting altar dating from the XVIII century and a marble altar piece depicting the Nativity;
- the Castle of Spessa, built on the site where once stood an earlier one dating from the XIII century and of which few traces remain. It was entirely rebuilt in the XIX century. It features an elegant and opulent interior, surrounded by a beautiful park. The construction features a mighty tower with a square base, equipped with battlements and interrupted by mullioned windows. In the second half of the XVIII century the famous Casanova stayed here, invited, at the time, by the Count Della Torre Valvassina;
- the remains of the fortress of Russiz.