The construction of the line, named after General Leon Rupnik, was a safety measure taken in order to counter the construction of the Italian Alpine Wall, a line built by the bordering country Italy, as well as against the imposing danger of a German invasion following the Anschluss of Austria.

Yugoslavia's Rupnik Line was inspired by various other fortification systems built along borders, mainly by France, Czechoslovakia[2] and neighboring Italy.

[3] 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.

Ridge fortifications were among the largest, as some were planned to enable navigating through main corridors with motorised transport.

[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.

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.