It was here that Rainer Maria Rilke, inspired by the cliffs between Duino and Sistiana, wrote his famous Elegie Duinesi. But we’re not here for a literature lesson, don’t worry. I’m just trying to take you to discover beautiful places that you might not know yet. Curious?
What I intend to do today is describe a handful of itineraries along Trieste’s Karst; I can’t possibly write about all of them, that would turn into a book. I tried to describe a few of the most fascinating walks that you can follow if you feel like stretching your legs. My beloved MiddleEurope passes through here too J
To make this guide a little lighter I decided to divide it in two parts…here’s the first one!
The Sage path or Tiziana Weiss path
The pathway goes from Santa Croce to Aurisina and offers super views; if the weather allows it you’ll be able to see the entire Gulf from here, all the way to Salvore. You’ll be surrounded by the colours of sumac plant and the scents of sage and juniper. If you’ve never been along here it’s time to try. Garanteed by MissClaire.
Rilke path
Dedicated to the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, it’s the panoramic trail that connects Sistiana and Duino. Along the way there are a few places where you can stop an observe the scenery, created from old military holds and bunkers from the first and second world war. This place is fascinating even in the most rainy and dark days!
Natural Reserve of the Duino Cliffs
Chiara! You can’t tell us about the Rilke path and forget to tell us about this Natural Reserve. One hundred and seven hectares characterized by great biodiversity. Imperial ravens, royal seagull and peregrine falcons make their nests here. The scenery? White limestone rocks that drop straight down into the sea. An incredible place.
The Timavo river
It appears, disappears and reappears. The Timavo (the shortest river of the country!) starts from the mount Nevoso in Slovenia; after a few kilometres, it falls into the caves of San Canziano, disappears and then reappears in San Giovanni al Timavo, also called San Giovanni di Duino. Its crystal blue waters are beautiful 🙂
Mount Stena
I’ll start with a few practical suggestions. Leave your car in San Lorenzo, pass the church and head along the path in front of you; walk straight until you come to a croosroad where you take a right along path nr.1. The scenery along here is breath taking; a rocky drop and rich vegetation all the way to the top. And I suggest you do reach the top
Napoleonica
This famous path doesn’t need to much of an introduction. I often take a walk along here when I feel like taking a break; five kilometres that connect Opicina to Prosecco and from where you have a lovely view. Toward the end of the path where the rock takes over, you’ll see the best place for free-climbing and rock-climbers: I get dizzy just at the thought!
Fortified castle of Slivia
You can reach it from Slivia following the dirt road; the remains of the fortified town are unique and make the surrounding landscape even more interesting. A must for anyone interested in history and archaeology.
To admire it follow the CAI path number 47 that connects the town to Aurisina.
Val Rosandra
It doesn’t need much of a presentation. A favourite among people from Trieste, this valley gets its name from the Rosandra-Glinščica stream – the only superficial one on Trieste’s Karst – that starts in Slovenia and has its mouth in the bay of Muggia. It’s the perfect place for rock-climbers and the Natural Reserve has an incredible natural heritage. If you feel like leaving the city for a few hours, heat to Bagnoli della Rosandra, leave your car there and …start walking! Along the path, you’ll see the remains of the old roman aqueduct from the 1st century.
.... to be continued ....
