Trieste Karst

From Skibini (just west of the bar "Gabriela"), we hike southwards on narrow paths through the forest of Karamonke to Mt. Cocusso (Kokos). On the summit plateau (shelter Planinska koca na Kokosi), we turn westwards and first follow the forest road IS No. 3, then turn south onto road 3-28 and then the path No. 28, alternating between road and path. Passing the Tumulo (Bronze Age burial mound), we approach the village of Pesek (church) over the southern slope of the mountain (nature reserve). We cross the street (west of the hotel) and use path No. 17 until we meet the Sent. Salamandro (marking) in the vineyard. We follow this northwest, then before the ponds turn left over meadows (Srednje Brdo), cross street No. 22, and continue to San Lorenzo Jezero (Trattoria Al Pozzo). The first breathtaking view of the Val Rosendra and Mt. Carso awaits. After a short break, we retrace the path and before the chapel San Lorenzo turn right onto path No. 1 (right of the barrier). Then we seek the Jama di San Lorenzo (doline) and continue across the Draski Kras karst plateau towards Mt. Stena (forest) with summit cross. From here, a unique view of the sea and the bay of Trieste opens up. We descend via the old railway line of the former Austro-Hungarian railway (foundation stone laid 1885, opening 1887, closure 1958) to the valley floor of Val Rosandra into the melancholic border town Botazzo (modest tavern). We go about 100 m downstream, then cross a bridge to the left bank of the river (path No. 1), which we follow. Along the Torrente Rosandra river, we enjoy beautiful views into deep gorges, the Supet waterfall, and the Chiesa S. Maria in Siaris (Holy Mary on rock, erected 1267). Here once stood 32 mills and poor inhabitants toiled as washerwomen. At the valley end, we descend to the river (opposite the beginning of the rocky path) and hike directly in the river through the gorge to Bagnoli Superiore (Refugio Premuda) and further to Bagnoli della Rosandra, the former partisan stronghold. There are places to rest at the main square and an excellent patisserie.