Contributions to contents and iconographic sources have been made by:
TIC Sežana (Sežana Tourist Information Centre)
Slovensko deželno gospodarsko združenje (Slovenian Regional Economic Association) Trieste
Servis Trieste
Mladinski Hotel Pliskovica (Pliskovica Youth Hostel)
Občina Komen (Municipality of Komen)
From the geographical point of view, the Brkini mountain range embraces a hilly area extending over four Municipalities: Divača, Hrpelje-Kozina, Ilirska Bistrica and Pivka. The area is well known for the production of quality fruit, especially apples and plums, as well as for the famous plum brandy (Brkini “slivovica” or “slivovitz”).
The Škocjan Caves Regional Park is located in the South West of Slovenia, on the Slovenian side of the Karst (or Kras) plateau. It is situated in the Municipality of Divača and extends over an area of 413 ha. For the size of their internal chambers and the underground gorge, the Škocjan caves deserve to be mentioned among the most important of the over seven thousand caves of Slovenia. They comprise a tangle of eleven caves, potholes, swallow-holes, natural bridges, etc.
Because of their extraordinary natural and cultural significance, in 1986 the Škocjan caves were included in the UNESCO world heritage list, in 1999 they were listed by the Ramsar Convention as the largest underground wetland in the world and in 2004 they were registered in the MAB (man and biosphere) Programme as karstic biosphere.
In the caves, visitors can admire giant polychromatic stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes and sizes, rock draperies and the typical concretion basins. The river Reka flows inside the caves, lending a very special appearance to the mesh of brambles. Stunning and imposing hypogeal shapes are mirrored in its peaceful waters. The visit around the caves, accompanied by expert guides, lasts approx. 1.5 hours.
Visiting hours:
January to May: 10 am to 1 pm; Sundays and holidays 3 pm (January-March); 3.30 pm (April-May).
June to September: at 10 am, 11 am, 12 noon, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm.
October to December: at 10 am and 1 pm; at 3.30 pm (October); at 3 pm (November –December, Sundays and holidays).
Museum collections:
The “Jakopinov skedenj” barn: ethnology;
The “Jurjev skedenj” barn: history of the Škocjan cave explorations;
“Delezova domačija” farmhouse: geological, biological and archaeological exhibition at Škocjan
Škocjan caves park – Park Škocjanske jame,
Škocjan 2, 6215 Divača
Tel. +386 (0)5 70 82 100 Faks: +386 (0)5 70 82 105,
Tel. +386 (0)5 70 82 110 Faks: +386 (0)5 70 82 111
E.: psj.info@psj.gov.si; http://www.park-skocjanske-jame.si
The Divača cave extends over a 700 m area with more than 1500 metres of footpaths. During the visit, visitors descend to a 76 m depth. Inside it, they can admire the incredible hypogeal heritage of the Divača Karst: stalagmites, limestone concretions, cypresses, numerous curtains of dripstone and stalagmite candles. Zakladnica (the treasure hall) is the main feature with innumerable white and red draperies, helectite formations and spectacular crystals. Visits to the cave are accompanied by guides equipped with electric torches. Mountain shoes are recommended. The visit lasts 1.5 hours approx.
Gregor Žiberna Divača Caving Club - Jamarsko društvo Gregor Žiberna Divača,
Kraška cesta 67, 6215 Divača
Tel. +386 31 522 785 (Borut Lozej), +386 41 498 103, +386 41 573 181, +386 41 671 183
E: divaska.jama@divaca.net, www.divaska-jama.info
The village of Divača develops along the old road from which tourists can catch a glimpse of St. Antony’s baroque church with its lovely columnaded entrance. Not far from it lies the Škrateljn rural house, dating back to the 17th century and regarded as the oldest Karst house to have survived. In the past, it included an inn as well as spacious farming rooms, where the carters (“furmani”) stopped for the animals to rest. Today, its interior hosts a permanent exhibition dedicated to the first star of the Slovenian cinema, Ita Rina, born at Divača in 1907 and achieving fame as an actress in Europe and the rest of the world in the 1920s and 1930s.
Opening hours: Saturdays 10 am – 12 noon, 3 pm – 5 pm; Sundays 10 am – 1 pm; bookings on other days can be agreed. Information: Municipality of Divača, tel.: +386 (0)5 731 09 30, obcina@divaca.si.
Beekeeping seminars, introduction to and demonstration of beekeepers’ work, tasting sessions. Presentation of different types of honey under the “Kraški med” (Karst Honey) protection mark, and many other honey by-products, such as royal jelly, pollen, propolis, candles and wax, honey-flavoured liqueurs…
Atelšek Ivan,
Povir 52a, 6210 Sežana
Tel. +386 (0)5 734 2667, +386 41 649142; Email; air.maat@siol.net
Opening hours: always open. Groups are requested to book their visits in advance.
The museum is located at Brestovica pri Povirju, a small Karst village of 15 houses. Jože and Danica Stojkovič have set up an exhibition including more than 476 items used in past centuries by their ancestors. They will be happy to tell you how the Karst inhabitants lived in the past. Visits to the “Grgurjevi” can be booked in advance by calling +386 (0)5 7346236 or +386 31 597-280.
The Samsa gallery hosts a collection of miniatures – carts and wine presses from all over Slovenia: hand carts, sleighs, farmers’ and carters’ carts. The exhibition begins with a reconstruction of a 5250 year old finding from the Ljubljansko barje area.
Visits: groups are requested to book their visits in advance.
Janko Samsa
Žirje 26, Sežana
Tel. +386 (0)5 7342211, +386 41 578 526
E. peter.samsa@siol.net, http://users.volja.net/sampeter/
The park is situated in the north-west of Sežana and is regarded as an actual botanical monument. The importance of the town and its geographical position caught the attention of the Scaramangas, a family of Trieste dealers who built their summer home there. Between 1848 and 1880 they purchased from the local farmers the land which would become a botanical park, at that time considered to be one of the most beautiful parks of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Most of the original plants, coming from all over the world, have survived until today and are surely worth a visit. The palm house, used for the wintering of plants that are more sensitive to cold, was built in 1890. Since 1948 the park keepers have been adding new plants to the collection of broad-leaved plants, conifers and bushes and have also increased the palm house collection with plant species coming from dry, subtropical and tropical areas.
A virtual visit to the park can be made in the multimedia room. It is also possible to visit the Museum and the natural science gallery, which includes three photograph exhibitions and three museum collections.
Komunalno stanovanjsko podjetje d.d.
Partizanska cesta 2, Sežana.
Tel. +386 (0)5 731 12 00, +386 41 688 625 - g. Mihelj, Fax +386 (0)5 7311201
E. info@ksp-sezana.si, ksp.sezana@siol.net, www.ksp-sezana.si/informacije/sbp.htm
The memorial room has been set up in professor Anton Kosovel’s house where all the Kosovel family’s children were born, the last of whom is poet Srečko. A pleasant music in the background accompanies his poems and the slides projecting karst scenes. The displayed collection includes photographs of Srečko Kosovel, poetry manuscripts and his posthumous poems, besides works by other authors who were born or worked at Sežana.
Visits: groups are requested to book their visits in advance.
People’s university of Sežana - Ljudska univerza Sežana
Bazoviška 9, Sežana.
Tel. +386 (0) 5 7311302
E. Andreja.furlan@lu-sezana.si, www.kosovel.org, www.lu-sezana.si/html
The educational trail contributes to discovering not only nature and recreation, but also the local history, because over the centuries mount Tabor played different roles. Dedicated to school children and spare time lovers, the trail path runs for some 2900 m and requires a 1-hour walk, but if you are accompanied by expert forest guards it can even take several hours.
Slovenia Forest Board - Zavod za gozdove Slovenije
OE Sežana, Partizanska 49, Sežana
Tel. +386 (0)5 7074400, +386 (0)5 7074409, fax +386 (0) 5 7342356
E: Branka.Gasparic@zgs.gov.si, www.zgs.gov.si
The trail is intended for anyone wishing to know more about the town, through the description of the natural and cultural heritage as it developed over time. By following the path, visitors can admire 50 different plant species and 30 monuments of historical interest. The path extends for 4.8 km, i.e. a 1.5 hour walk.
Sežana Environment Association- Društvo za varstvo okolja Sežana
Srebrničeva u.1, Sežana
Tel +386 (0)5 7300303, +386 41 663221 (Robert Rogič), fax +386 (0)5 7300303
E: rogic.robert@volja.net, users.volja.net/rogirob/mestna_ucna_pot.htm
Sežana used to be a meeting point for carters, or “furmani” (in Slovene), who played an important role in trade along the »emperor’s road«. On their heavy carts, they carried agricultural products and sundry goods to the city and port of Trieste and vice versa. Along that route, several inns were opened in the proximity of slopes, so that horses and “furmani” could rest. Among the most famous establishments, there was an Inn belonging to magnates Pollay of Sežana, who gave one of their daughters in marriage to a member of the Mahorčič family. This is how the Mahorčič restaurant started. On the opposite side of the road was the “Pri vagi” Inn (The Weighthouse), later called “Pri Šmucu”, still existing today.
The Carters’ Inn – Gostilna ŠMUC
Ulica Mirka Pirca 4, 6210 Sežana
Tel. +386 (0)57341808
Sežana Intermunicipal Association of the friends of youth - Medobčinsko društvo prijateljev mladine Sežana
Partizanska cesta18, 6210 Sežana
Tel. +386 (0)5 734 14 86
E: drustvo.prijateljev@siol.net, www.vrtiljak-mdpm-sezana.com
A large and well reputed hotel in the past, built on the foundations of a modest pub (according to the date inscribed at the entrance in 1815). It hosted illustrious figures among whom were kings, emperors and their retinue. Today it is called Penzijon Triglav (Triglav Guest House).
Dating back to 1859, it was the property of Giovanni Scaramanga of Hicolo, shipowner, merchant and knight, who also owned several lots of land.
The Court (1892), the old school, the villa of Mr. Stock, entrepreneur and owner of the famous Trieste distillery.
In 1863, at Sežana, Kozler published his first Atlas of Slovenian regions and provinces, drawn up in 1853. The following year, together with his brothers and sister, he founded the Union brewery in Ljubljana, which still exports beer throughout the world.
Dating back to World War I (1915-1917), it is located near the town cemetery (in the outskirts).
This private collection of ancient objects (weapons, uniforms, photographs, household utensils, farm tools, documents) brings us back in time and provides the opportunity to reflect on our ancestors’ style of living and how these objects were used in the past.
Orlando Fabris
Strma pot 4, 6210 Sežana
Tel. +386(0) 5 7341156.
The winery – wine bar was built by the Pollay family. The entrance bears the date 1861. The peculiarity of this winery is that it was excavated in the live rock: the lateral walls are natural and the ceiling is between 1.5 m and 2 m under ground level. The vault was carved into the stone. To begin with, the wine bar was used as a warehouse for salami, ham and wine.
The steep sandstone stairs, leading to the cellar, have a worn appearance revealing the innumerable shoes that climbed them. At the back of the room there is a large fireplace. This winery is both a wine tasting and sales establishment. The cellar is worth a visit, as an example of ancient architecture.
Vinakras z.o.o. Sežana
Sejmiška pot 1a, 6210 Sežana
Telefon: 05/7313144, vinakras@siol.net, www.vinakras.si
Cave therapy (or speleotherapy) is a type of climate therapy whereby treatment sessions are provided to patients affected by bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive bronchitis in underground karst cavities.
Sežana Hospital – Bolnišnica Sežana
Cankarjeva 4, Sežana
Tel. +386(0) 5 7074000, Fax +386(0) 5 7341302.
E: bolnica.sezana@siol.net, www.bolnisnica-sezana.si
Bar, pizzeria APETIT Sesana
Gostilna SKOK Štorje
The Lipica stud and riding centre, founded in 1580, is located near the Italian-Slovenian border, surrounded by a picturesque karst landscape, in a green oasis under the clear Mediterranean sky and in the shadow of ancient lime and oak trees. For more than four centuries, this centre has continued the tradition of breeding and selecting the famous pureblood Lipizzaner horses. In the post-war period, it developed its own classic horse-riding school, successfully participating in horse-riding competitions all over the world. Lipica is also a pleasant recreational centre in the sign of tradition, where you can have a good time and relax.
Guided (and not guided) visits to the horse-riding centre, training sessions and shows by the classic horse-riding school, horse-riding for children, visits to the Avgust Černigoj Gallery, horse-drawn carriage excursions, (guided) walks along the Ludvik educational trail, swimming pool, sauna, massage, accommodation (2 hotels), restaurant (karst cuisine), walks in nature, the Our Lady of Lourdes sinkhole, anniversaries, weddings, meetings and buffets, golf, tennis, minigolf and pingpong.
The artist was born in Trieste in 1898 and spent the last five years of his life at Lipica, where he worked until his death in 1985. The Avgust Černigoj Gallery of Lipica exhibits over 1400 works.
The route mostly runs through the woods, while the last stretch is paved. It skirts the Our Lady of Lourdes sinkhole, as far as the golf links and back. The footpath is marked and suitable for walking, jogging, biking (cyclo-cross)…
Between 1848 and 1875 the Lipica stud and riding centre was managed by Karel Grunn. Because of a severe illness, he retired to a karst depression in search for beneficial effects. He remained there for days and days, surrounded by very tall trees, until he recovered. For the favours received, he had a chapel sculpted into the natural rock wall, with the statue of the Virgin Mary inside it. Thus, the sinkhole became a small sanctuary.
Lipica turizem d.o.o.
Lipica 5, 6210 Sežana
+386(0) 5 739 15 80
www.lipica.org, info@lipica.org
This is in the immediate proximity of Lipica. Visits are accompanied by a speleologist and have to be booked in advance.
Sežana Caving Club – Jamarsko društvo Sežana, Jaka Jakofčič
Tel. +386(0) 5 734 42 59
Mount Kokoška lies near Lipica. The refuge at the top can be reached by a marked path (1-1.5 h) or by a trail across the forest as far as the parking lot of the Lipica border crossing point (5 km). From the top, on a clear day, one can admire Mount Triglav and the surrounding mountains, the Dolomites and the Karst peaks (Nanos, Vremščica, Slavnik), the coast and its hinterland as well as the nearby cities (Koper, Piran, Izola, Trieste, Udine, Venice). The refuge at the top is open on Fridays, 3 pm to 8 pm, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8 am to 8 pm.
Manager: Rado Grželj
Lokev 300, Lokev
Tel. +386(0) 5 6801641, +386 41 863 986
The Vilenica cave at Lokev has been the first natural cave in Europe to be adapted for tourism. Until the mid 19th century it was considered to be the most beautiful, largest and most visited cave of the Karst area. Tourist visits have been recorded ever since 1633, when the owner, Count Petazzi, entrusted the administration of the cave to the parish of Lokev. In the past, the cave inspired the visitors’ imagination, so much so that the local inhabitants believed that it was inhabited by fairies, after whom the cave was named (Vilenica means the fairies’ cave. “Vile” is the Slovene for fairy)."Vilenica" is also the name of the international literary prize, awarded every year in this very cave, in a chamber known as the Dance Hall.
Sežana Caving Club – Jamarsko društvo Sežana
Partizanska cesta 61, Sežana
Tel +386(0) 5 7344259; +386 51 648 711
E: vilenica@siol.net, www.brlog.net/jds, www.vilenica.com, www.vodnik.kras-carso.com
Gostilna MAHORČIČ Rodik
Gostilna PRI KRIŽMANU Tublje pri Hrpeljah
Lokev (Corgnale) is a typical Karst village, whose main landmark is the fortress built in 1487 against the Ottoman invasions. This robust and cylindrical stone fortress initially comprised an elevated entrance and narrow embrasures. The cornice juts out and the roof is cone-shaped, although some experts suggest that, at the beginning, towers of this type had no roof and that their inner structure was generally made of wood.
“Tabor” was later used for different purposes: as a hay warehouse, a primary school, a meeting room. Today it hosts a military museum – the largest private collection in Slovenia, included in the Guinness book of records. Collector Srečko Rože has gathered approximately 160,000 items, especially related to the local military history. The exhibition includes Austro-Hungarian and Italian findings from the World War I Isonzo front as well as nazi-fascist and partisan objects found in the Karst and Brkini area after World War II. The museum also boasts a collection of items from the archaeological, ethnologic and local history viewpoint.
Tabor Lokev
Lokev, Tel. +386(0) 5 7670581; +386(0) 5 7670107; +386 41 516586 (g. Srečko Rože)
E: www.kras-carso.com/muzej/tabor/
The church is famous for the frescoes by Tone Kralj.
Lokev Prelože Tourist Club – Turistično društvo Lokev Prelože, Tabor
Lokev 139, Lokev
Tel. +386(0) 5 7670044; +386 31 641819 (Fonda Ivanka)
Fabiani’s store continuously operated from 1869 to 1948, managed by 5 different owners, the first of whom – the founder of the shop – was Jakob Fabiani. The museum hosts a variety of items belonging to this old traditional store which sold a wide range of goods, such as sweets, seeds, shoe polish, cosmetics, oil, dressmaker products, tobacco products, spices, detergents, soap, coffee, dyes…
Visits: from 1st April to 31st October, every Saturday and Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm
Museum collection of sundry goods and old advertising objects
Tel. +386(0) 1 5403527, +386 41 976385 (g. Slana Miro)
E: miro_slana@t-2.net
The Srečko Kosovel footpath begins opposite to the old primary school and leads from Sežana to Tomaj, where the poet’s native house is, crossing Šmarje, where a typical karst house can be admired as well as Our Lady’s Church, and Križ with its stone church dating back to 500 years ago, covered in limestone slabs and built in the Gothic style.
Sežana Alpine club – Planinsko društvo Sežana
Srebrničeva ulica 1, Sežana
Tel. +386(0) 5 7300114
E: pdsezana@volja.net, www.ora.si/TIC/gozdne_ucne_poti_na_krasu.doc
At the Kosovels’ house (built in 1925) poet Srečko spent a good part of his childhood and also died there when he was only 22 years old. Every year the graveyard, where almost all his family members are buried, is the destination of thousands of visitors, who come to pay tribute to the great Slovenian poet.
The Kosovels’ House – Kosovelova domačija
Tomaj 39, Dutovlje
Tel. +386(0) 5 7642108, +386 31 241890 (ga. Sosič Dragica)
E: www.kosovel.org, www.vodnik.kras-carso.com, www.goriskimuzej.si/tomaj.html
The church was frescoed by Tone Kralj.
In the 19th century, it was a school of home economics.
Škerlj – Tomaj rural restaurant
The Karst Wine Road involves 123 producers of various Karst wines, ranging from the red Teran and Cabernet Sauvignon to the white Malvazija, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Vitovska Grganja. The starting point can be either Sežana or Štanjel. Sežana can be reached by the Lubljana-Trieste main road or the motorway, whereas the regional road can be used to arrive at Štanjel (Nova Gorica-Sežana).
The Road crosses the vine-growing and wine-making area of the Slovenian Karst and is divided into two stretches. The first goes from Sežana, through Šmarje, Križ and Tomaj to Dutovlje and then continuing towards Komen and Kostanjevica on the Karst. Conversely, the second stretch begins in Štorje and goes through Kazlje, Dobravlje and Ponikve to Dutovlje, then continuing as far as Štanjel.
This itinerary leads through Avber where St. Nicholas’s church can be admired with its frescoes by Tone Kralj. Wine tasting and visits to the wineries must be booked in advance.
Sežana agricultural advice service – Kmetijska svetovalna služba Sežana
Sejmiška pot 1a, 6210 Sežana
Tel. +386(0) 5 7344166
This is a unique opportunity for tourists, who can continue an old Karst tradition. Osmizza is a special form of retail sale of unbottled wine with protected geographical indication. The wine-maker can set up an osmizza in his house, cellar or yard. Written sources testify that the right to sell wine has ancient origins, dating back to Charlemagne. This tradition was continued until the times of Maria Theresa and Austrian Emperor Joseph II, who at the end of the 18th century issued a decree allowing producers to sell tax-free wine for eight days.
The term osmizza derives from the Slovene word “osmen” which means “eight”. According to this decree, the farmer or vine-grower could sell the previous year’s surplus wine production in his osmizza. The sale of wine was announced by an ivy branch hanging in front of the entrance, a tradition still surviving today, when an ivy branch hangs from the road signals leading to the osmizza.
On crossing the Slovenian Karst, our attention is caught by a fortified village on the top of a hill in the North-West of the Karst plateau. This is Štanjel (San Daniele del Carso), one of the oldest and picturesque villages of the Karst. Thanks to its strategic geographical position, this village has always played an important role ever since the beginning of the iron age. The built-up area developed during the Romanesque period. The narrow streets lead to small squares with stone wells standing out in the middle. The stone houses are enriched by precious hand-carved details. Many gothic elements are evidence of the fact that the village had already reached today’s size at the time.
The most ancient remains of the castle date back to the Middle Age, but its present appearance is due to Count Cobenzl who, at the end of the 17th century, chose St. Daniel’s Church, built in the 15th century and renovated in the 17th century, as his family grave. In the 15th century St. Gregory’s sepulchral church was built just outside the village, on a nearby hill, where architect Max Fabiani is buried. Because of the Turkish invasions, in the 15th century Štanjel was surrounded by walls which enclosed the houses, the church and the castle. When the threat ceased, houses and part of the castle were constructed leaning against the walls and the defence towers owing to the lack of space. The first house outside the fortified village was only built in the middle of the 19th century. Štanjel suffered important damage during War World II.
Visits:
St. Daniel’s Church; a monument to Dr. Anton Mahnič on the façade of the church.
Today the Kobdilj Tower (Gate Tower), once a part of villa Ferrari, hosts an art gallery with temporary exhibitions and a souvenir shop.
In the entrance tower: historical collection dedicated to World War II on the Karst plateau.
Inside the castle: exhibition of works by painter and graphic artist Lojze Spacal.
Cultural events, exhibitions and markets are held in the castle and its yard.
“The Romanesque house”, with its typical grooves and stone well. Inside the house, also known as the Karst house, is an ethnologic exhibition.
The small Venetian-style bridge in the Ferrari’s garden, designed by architect Max Fabiani in the 1920s and 1930s.
St. Gregory’s sepulchral church, with its wooden roof, can be admired along the Fabiani path.
The Fabiani path – a network of tourist trails developing between Kobdilj and Štanjel, and linking the monuments and the natural and cultural heritage of the two villages. Above the military cemetery, half way between the two villages, visitors can rest on benches designed by Fabiani.
Štanjel Tourist Information Centre – Tic Štanjel
Štanjel 42c, Štanjel
Tel. +386(0) 5 7690056, +386 41 383986, fax +386(0) 5 7310460
E: tic.stanjel@komen.si, www.kras-carso.com, www.komen.si
Komen, with village Divči and hamlet Jablanec, lies at the heart of the Komen Karst and is its administrative and economic centre.
Cultural and natural heritage:
- St. George’s parish church is located on top of a hill in the centre of the village. Here, in the past there was a small parish church in Gothic style. Because of its limited size, it was demolished and rebuilt in 1768 in the Baroque style. Next to it is a free-standing bell tower in Aquileian style, while inside the church is the main altar dating back to 1773, consecrated to St. George, the patron saint of the village. In addition to the main altar, the church has another four secondary altars. The church frescoes were painted by C.del Neri in 1901, while the lunettes above the confessionals are by Tone Kralj.
- Cirje Forest Park – forest educational and walking trail. Along the path, tourists can observe different tree species and rest on the benches. The trail also leads to the monument dedicated to Avgust Kafol, responsible for the reforestation of the Komen area, and to two ponds (Kal and Kaluže at Divči), which are on the other side of the Komen-Štanjel regional road.
Štanjel Tourist Information Centre – Tic Štanjel
Štanjel 42c, Štanjel
Tel. +386(0) 5 7690056, +386 41 383986, fax +386(0) 5 7310460
E: tic.stanjel@komen.si, www.kras-carso.com
Boris Škrk
Komen 118c, Komen
Tel. +386(0) 5 7668499
ŠPACAPANOVA HIŠA - ŠPACAPAN HOUSE – Komen
Marko FON’s Farm – Brje pri Komnu
Volčji Grad is a typical Karst village about 2 km from Komen (20 km from Sežana). The prehistoric castelliere (fortified settlement), called “Debela griža”, dating back to the bronze or iron age, is one of the main local attractions. This is a massive circular stone wall, which in some points reaches 4 m in height and 10 m in width. According to some, an ancient Roman road used to pass near the castelliere, while today the old road leads to Komen.
An educational trail crosses the village and its surroundings, contributing to discover the natural and cultural attractions of Volčji Grad: votive columns (known as “pili”), a pit for slaking quicklime (“japenca”), the “Debela griža” castelliere dating back to the Hallstatt civilisation, the remains of a quarry, a shepherd’s house, the dry stone walls with the typical accesses to the country estates (“vrzele”), a deep sinkhole (foiba in Italian or bezen in Slovene), the ''Globočnjak'' sinkhole, the caves, the ponds, a fenced in sinkhole. The trail is 4 km long.
Debela Griža Association – Društvo Debela Griža
Volčji Grad, Komen
Tel. +386 31 338251
E: bostjan.stolfa@siol.net, www.kras-carso.com, www.volcjigrad.com
Visit to the “Slamčeva domačija” farmhouse hosting the Pliskovica Youth Hostel, which has been set up in a 400-year-old Karst house protected as part of the cultural heritage. Visitors can participate in a guided visit around the building and get to know the Karst architecture and the farmers’ life.
Pliskovica Youth Hostel – Mladinski hotel Pliskovica,
Pliskovica 11, Dutovlje, Tel +386(0) 5 7640250
E: info@hostelkras.org, www.hostelkras.com
Visit to the stone-carved sculpture exhibition and workshop.
Jernej Bortolato s.p.
Pliskovica 18, 6221 Dutovlje
Tel. +386 41 524069
E: bortolato@siol.net
Visit to the church and the 400-year-old lime tree
This is an educational loop trail developing on the Karst plateau between the villages of Pliskovica and Kosovelje. A sheep called Pliska, depicted on the stone signals, shows us the way and explains how nature has shaped the karst landscape and to what extent man has contributed to its appearance.
Path length: 6 km, 2 hours.
Pliska Development Association – Razvojno društvo Pliska
Pliskovica 51a, 6221 Dutovlje
Tel. +386 41 475776 (Ivica Žerjal)
E: pliska@pliskovica.si
BAR RUJ – Dol pri Voglah
Vasja and Branko ČOTAR’s Farm – Gorjansko
Joško Renčel’s Farm – Dutovlje
Petelin - Durcik Rural restaurant – Pliskovica
The village of Dutovlje is known for its annual traditional Teran wine and ham festival (Praznik terana in pršuta), with the Karst float parade and the Teran queen competition, which is a highlight event in this vine-growing and wine-making Karst area.
Golf tournaments
Excursion along the Srečko Kosovel footpath - March
Excursion to Povir - March
Easter excursion on the Pliska educational trail - April
The Lipizzaner horse Day - May
Mlada Vilenica (Young Vilenica) literary prize award – May
Dressage World Cup international competition - June
International Guitar Festival - July
Municipal Festival - August
Lipica horse-riding Days - September
Chariot Racing National Championship - September
International literary meeting in the Vilenica cave - September
St. Martin’s Festival – November
From Col (from the German »Zoll«) the road leads either to Opicina or Sgonico. The Terrano Wine Road starts from Opicina (18.5 km) and crosses the Trieste Karst plateau (the Carso) leading to the villages of Repen, Borgo Grotta Gigante, Rupinpiccolo, Sgonico, Gabrovizza, Sales, Samatorza, Ternovca, Prepotto, San Pelagio, Precenico, Slivia, Malchina, Visogliano down to Sistiana bay. Along the road, typical trattorias and farms offer genuine Carso food, local wines as well as accommodation.
At Opicina there is an obelisk commemorating the construction of the Trieste-Vienna railway line and a historic tramway, linking the Carso plateau to the city. Furthermore, traditional trattorias can be found in the area: VALERIA and VETO. At nearby Basovizza you will find the old carters' trattoria ALLA POSTA.
The municipality of Monrupino is the first stop along the Carso Wine Road.
Monrupino - Repentabor is perched on top of a hill of the Trieste Karst (or Carso), called Tabor (418 m), not far from the sea and surrounded by pastures, karst cavities, marble quarries and stone relics of the ancient karst land. The walls enclose a sanctuary, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and a number of simple and neat buildings constructed in the live rock and covered with slabs of stone. Monrupino - Repentabor and the ruins on Tabor hill are testimony of an ancient and turbulent history. The remains of an ancient fortified settlement dating back to the middle of the second millennium before Christ can be seen on the top of the hill. The Slovene inscription, in the writing style known as “bohoričica”, on the West gate states that Tabor was rebuilt in 911 at the times of the Magyar invasions. A fortress was built to watch and defend the road leading to Carniola as early as in Roman times or maybe even in prehistoric times.
The Karst House in the village of Repen is a well preserved example of the typical and spontaneous Karst architecture which hosted the living and farming spaces within a closed yard (“borjač”). This house has not been precisely dated, but it is likely to date back to the last twenty years of the 18th century. Its present appearance dates back to 1831, the year of its latest additions and restorations. Its modest exterior coincides with that of most ancient Karst dwellings, mainly characterised by the use of stone for architectural and decorative purposes. All vessels and objects displayed inside the house are original. Its main features include a stone slab roof, a large chimney, a balcony, stone door jambs, iron-barred windows with stone cornices, a well, a high wall sheltering the yard from the bora wind, a stone portal with a wooden door leading to the yard of the house.
The Karst House Museum is open to visitors on Sundays and holidays (11 am - 12.30 pm/ 3 pm – 5 pm) from April to October; in the other months or different days, visits can be agreed with the management.
Karst House Museum of Repen – Muzej Kraška hiša v Repnu
Repen, Repentabor (Trst)
Tel. +39 040 327240, +39 040 327335
www.kraskahisa.com
KRIŽMAN Hotel Restaurant, Repen
The Grotta Gigante (Giant Cave) was discovered in 1840 in the effort to find underground water streams. Once the speleological survey was concluded in 1890, the cave was opened to the public in 1908. It includes a huge pothole, where large and small galleries converge. This is what remains of the ancient river basin that existed millions of years ago. Stalactites hang from its imposing ceiling, while stalagmites rise up from the ground, concealing the large rocky masses and other sediments. The tourist path and the imaginative lighting used in the cave enable visitors to see the cave in all of its magnificence and to admire the mysterious shapes of this peculiar underground world.
Visiting hours:
November to February: 10 am – 11 am – 12 noon – 2 pm – 3 pm –4 pm
March and October: 10 am – 11 am – 12h – 1 pm – 2 pm – 3 pm – 4 pm
April to September: 10 am - 10.30 am – 11 am - 11.30 am – 12 noon - 12.30 pm – 1 pm - 1.30 pm
2 pm - 2.30 pm - 3 pm – 3.30 pm – 4 pm - 4.30 pm – 5 pm - 5.30 pm – 6 pm
Società Alpina delle Giulie, Trieste Section of Club Alpino Italiano,,
“E.Boegan” Cave Commission – Grotta Gigante
Briščiki – Borgo Grotta Gigante, Zgonik - Sgonico (Trieste)
Tel. / Fax +39 040 327312
E: segreteriacgeb@tin.it
www.grottagigante.it
Near the cave, you will find Paolo HROVATIN's artistic handicraft workshop and MILIČ Hotel Restaurant. If you want to have a nice meal at Sgonico, try Trattoria GUŠTIN
Along the road leading from Sgonico/Zgonik to Gabrovizza/Gabrovica, the Carsiana botanical garden includes as many as 600 plant species of the Italian and Slovenian Karst, growing in their typical natural environment.
The garden opens from 25 April to 15 October: Tuesdays to Fridays (10 am -1 pm); Saturdays and holidays (10 am -1 pm and 3 pm – 7 pm); closed on Mondays. Guided visits are available on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 4 to 5 pm. Visits can be booked at different hours, also in English, Slovenian and German from website www.carsiana.eu
»Curiosi di natura« Naturalistic Guides Professional Association
Via M.D'Azeglio 23, 34129 Trieste
Tel. 39 040 775253, fax 39 02 700433912
E curiosidinatura@libero.it
Carsiana Botanical Garden
Sgonico/Zgonik 55 (TS)
Tel. 39 040 229573
In the proximity lies the beautiful karst village of Križ - Santa Croce, known for its fishermen. The Museum of fishing, dedicated to the legendary tuna fishing in the Gulf of Trieste is worth a visit. Beside the church there is one of the few trattorias on the Carso plateau offering fish dishes. Accommodation in flats is also available.
In the Karst area of the Municipality a visit is recommended to the village of Praprot/Prepotto, a real jewel for its ancient karst houses and the magnificent view onto the sea. Here you will find the wineries owned by Edi Kante, Danilo Lupinc, Boris Škerk, Benjamin Zidarich and Gruden Residence.
Prečnik/Precenico is the nearby village where tourists can stop at TRATTORIA SARDOČ.
Sesljan/Sistiana, a renowned tourist resort, in addition to its beach, pine forest and beautiful bay, offers a wide range of hotels, tourist residences and restaurants, such as: LOCANDA GAUDEMUS Hotel, Wine Restaurant and Inn and Camping ALLE ROSE.
Devin/Duino is famous for the Castle belonging to the Princes von Thurn und Taxis, who »invented« the modern Mail service by stagecoach. The castle has played host to illustrious guests such as poet Rainer Maria Rilke, the author of the famous Duino Elegies. The picturesque Rilke footpath overlooking the sea extends among the Mediterranean scrub and the karst rocks. The Castle boasts a rich museum collection, organises exhibitions and hosts prestigious events and conferences.
Since 1982, Devin/Duino has been the seat of the multicultural United World College of Adriatic (UWCA). Right on the coast you will find DAMA BIANCA Hotel Restaurant.
Duino Castle and the Rilke Committee including the local tourist operators are responsible for the tourist promotion on the Carso plateau and the coast.
The area is interesting from both the historical and the naturalistic point of view. In the Doberdò Carso area, trenches and galleries dating back to World War I can still be observed.
Since 1996 the reserve has been situated on a 726 hectare area in the municipalities of Doberdob, Monfalcone and Ronchi dei Legionari. The two intermittent lakes are surrounded by wet grasslands and riparian forests as well as dry areas formed by wasteland and karst scrubland. The presence of such ecologically different environments has lead to a high biodiversity in the reserve. In the protected zone there are numerous caves and rocky areas characterised by karst phenomena, such as grooves and erosion basins.
Gradina visit centre. Located in a scenic position overlooking lake Doberdò, it can be reached from the centre of the village. The Natural History museum, a bar, a conference room and guestrooms accommodating twenty people are all hosted in the restructured buildings of the former quarry.
Gradina Visit Centre - Sprejemni center Gradina
Pot v Dol, 32, 34070 Doberdob
tel. 0039 0481 784111, fax 0039 0481 784111, mobi: 0039 333 405 6800
E: infogradina@libero.it, www.gradina.it
Opening hours
The museum is open on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
May-September 10-12.30 /4 pm-7 pm. October-April 10-17
The bar opens during events, museum opening hours, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
At San Michele del Carso there is a museum dedicated to World War I. In the “Debela Griža” (Sacred Area), evidence of the fighting and massacres of the Great War are still visible, namely the trails, trenches and caves used for the artillery batteries. In this Karst village tourists will find the renowned TRATTORIA DEVETAK which, since 2007, has had a traditionally furnished Inn.
The Italian part of the cross-border “Karst without frontiers” itinerary also includes a number of city establishments, in Trieste:
SCABAR RESTAURANT, in Gorizia: ROSENBAR RESTAURANT.
