the crystal-clear waters of the river, which after running underground for kilometres, emerge near S. Giovanni di Duino (Štivan), at the foot of a XV-century gothic church. This location, also mentioned in ancient times, includes an exceptional cultural ensemble dedicated to god Mithras, which confirms the historical-mythical nature of this Carso area.

its surroundings include an important paleontological site, where the complete skeleton of a dinosaur was found, the largest ever to be found on Italian territory. Antonio - this is how the dinosaur was nicknamed, although it was a female specimen - was 4 metres long and weighed 700 kilos. Antonio's skeleton, once recomposed, was exhibited for the first time in December 2000 and immediately attracted thousands of enthusiastic visitors.

the foot-path sheer above the sea, with breath-taking views, where Rainer Maria Rilke, the Praguese poet of German origin, used to find inspiration during his stay at Duino Castle (Devin). The XIV-century castle is pervaded by an enchanted atmosphere and evokes disquieting stories and legends. It was here that the artist composed his celebrated poetry collection: "The Duino Elegies".

the most ancient cave in Europe, where during summer nights a famous international literary festival takes place. You will be surrounded by an unreal and magical atmosphere because the cave is inhabited by fairies, the vile, who in ancient times gave their name to the cave.

a charming natural inlet, wedged between the blue Adriatic sea and the white Carso stone. The marina accommodates dozens of boats and the beaches nearby are paradise for tourists.

A path rich in historical, archeological and especially natural attractions in the area around the village of Sgonico (Zgonik). It is named after the dolina it leads to and is provided with several information points and direction signs that help tourists aalong the way. On crossing the centre of Sgonico (Zgonik) on your way back, stop at the local renovated wine-cellar with its wide selection of local wines.

since 1995 in the Guinness book of records as the largest tourist cave in the world! Given its size, the largest room (more than 100 metres high, 280 m long and 65 m wide) could comfortably accommodate St. Peter's Basilica! Discovered as early as 1840, today it is the venue of cultural events, concerts and scientific research. It also hosts the speleology museum.

interesting flower environments to discover the peculiarities of the Carso. The park includes almost all the specimens of karstic flora, presented in their elective environment. The dolina attracts thousands of visitors every year, especially in spring, when it is colourful with flowers and the area is full of exquisite scents.

is said to have been built by Napoleon's armies. From its embankment one can enjoy a beautiful view of the city of Trieste, the gulf, the Istrian coast and the Grado lagoon. This is the favourite "promenade" of the native inhabitants, but it is also a training ground for walking races, available all year round.

typical karstic phenomenon with a perennial lake, rich in aquatic plants. The basin and the pond are the most significant morphological and naturalistic aspects among the Carso peculiarities.

an imposing natural valley at the bottom of which, after a wonderful 30-m-high waterfall, the Rosandra stream flows, one of the rare examples of surface karstic hydrography. In 1984 it was declared Natural Park. The remains of the Roman aqueduct, which used to supply water to the inhabitants of Roman Tergeste, as well as significant evidence of the dozens of mills that stood along the torrent.

for size, the second largest salt-works of the Adriatic sea, they extend over an area of 650 hectares. Spectacular. They comprise hundreds of communicating salt-pans, divided by earth embankments. In an ancient stone house there is a small and suggestive museum illustrating the economy of salt, begun in the IX century and continued for more than a thousand years.

spectacular limestone formations, underground rivers and lakes, huge halls which can be visited aboard a train. And on top of that, the human fish (Proteus anguinus), one of the most mysterious creatures in the world, is waiting for you. Since 1891 the cave has been visited by millions of enthusiastic tourists.

where you can look into an unusual underground world, which unavoidably arouses amazement and great surprise. Since 1986 the caves were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Don't miss it!

in the waters opposite the Castle and its park, a protected area that is the first marine reserve in Italy. Thanks to is characteristic environment it has been included by the U.N.O. among the Biosphere reserves to be safeguarded. Inside the Park, WWF Trieste has set up an aquarium with video-cameras connected with the marine park.

an itinerary in the rural Carso, it runs through some of the most picturesque areas of the Carso plateau. In addition to its natural charms and historical curiosities, visitors will have the opportunity of savouring the typical local products. A perfect combination of nature, culture, food and wine. On foot, on a bike, on horseback ,as you prefer.

a steep path leading from the village of Aurisina (Nabrežina) to the sea, used by the fishermen for centuries. As you walk down the path, you will cross the well-known Southern Railways which, on the occasion of its inauguration, brought to Trieste Emperor Franz Joseph in person. Since then, thanks to the railway line, from the cave near Aurisina (Nabrežina) its white marble was used to embellish the palaces of all Austria-Hungary.

dedicated to the famous climber and writer, begins at Aurisina (Nabrežina) and links the "look-outs" situated along all the Carso ridge as far as Crogole (Kroglje). When walking in the lush vegetation, visitors can admire naturalistic environments of rare beauty, the sea, the city of Trieste and, in the distance, the tops of the Alps.

is an excursion itinerary around the village of Aurisina (Nabrežina) characterised by historical, geological and botanical elements of great interest. The path is named after the great Trieste climber Tiziana Weiss.