Published in April 2022, several lesser-known hiking trails between Duino and Aurisina in the Carso region offer walkers a combination of archaeological sites, natural woodland, and culinary opportunities near the Gulf of Trieste. While the Rilke Path and Sage Trail are better known among trekkers in western Carso, alternative routes provide equally rewarding experiences for those exploring the area.
The Mitreo Trail
The Mitreo Path, designated as trail 1a, spans approximately two and a half hours round-trip from Duino. The route winds through Carso woodland, following white and red paint markings along the way. The trail leads to the Mithraeum of Duino, one of the oldest in the Western world and the only one housed within a natural cave. After the first railway underpass beyond the former toll booth, the final hundreds of metres become steep and challenging. Inside the cave, visitors can see a relief sculpture of Mitra killing a bull, stone markers (cippi), and remains of a sacrificial altar, accessible by advance reservation. The route offers panoramic views across Duino and its castle, much of the Istrian coast, and the lagoon extending from Monfalcone to Grado. Near the Mithraeum runs an ancient Roman road that once connected Aquileia with Trieste two thousand years ago, part of the historic Amber Road travelled by Roman legions bound for Persia.
The Gemina Trail and Local Villages
The Gemina Path, a section of that ancient Roman road now renamed by local trekkers, begins at Malchina, marked by a yellow and green sign. Covering approximately four hours round-trip, the trail is suitable for walking, cycling, or horse riding and presents no significant elevation changes. The route passes through dense oak, holly oak, and ash woodlands, with views of Monfalcone Gulf and the Isonzo estuary where vegetation thins. The trail connects several Carso villages—Malchina, Precenico, San Pelagio, Prepotto, and Ternova—where visitors can experience local culture, discover the traditions of Trieste’s Slovenian minority, and visit traditional Osmize or Gostilne (wine taverns) where local hospitality enhances the experience.
The Didactic Trail and Fishermen’s Path
Starting from Gruden School in Aurisina Cave, the Didactic Trail (trail 3) extends six kilometres through a mix of Carso woodland and Mediterranean coastal vegetation. Developed by local schoolchildren and staff, the route features eleven points of interest marked with numbered signs and information plaques, including the Liburnia lookout, a monument to Slovenian poet Igo Gruden, a World War I military cemetery, and the Lišček valley. A published guide by the school provides detailed information on each station. The route passes through Aurisina, then rural fields, meadows, and vineyards before returning to the school. From Aurisina Cave, the Fishermen’s Path continues toward the sea with views across the Gulf of Trieste. This ancient route was used in Roman times to transport white Aurisina stone to ships for transport throughout the Mediterranean. Later, local fishermen descended the Carso along this path to reach Canovella degli Zoppoli to fish with traditional wooden boats carved from single tree trunks known as zoppole or čupa.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mithraeum of Duino?
The Mithraeum of Duino is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Mitra in the Western world and the only one housed within a natural cave. It contains a relief sculpture of Mitra killing a bull, stone markers, and remains of a sacrificial altar.
How long do these trails take to complete?
The Mitreo Trail takes approximately two and a half hours round-trip, the Gemina Path takes four hours round-trip, and the Didactic Trail spans six kilometres suitable for a few hours of walking.
What historical connection does the Gemina Path have?
The Gemina Path follows an ancient Roman road that connected Aquileia with Trieste two thousand years ago, part of the historic Amber Road travelled by Roman legions bound for Persia.
