Discovering Trieste and its environs, cycling through the natural, historical and artistic beauty of a city that for centuries was a strategic bridge between Western and Central and Southern Europe.

The 13-kilometer route, suitable for everyone, initially runs through the city streets and squares and then heads toward the nearby Slovenian border, crossing the characteristic landscape of theKarst plateau.

Technical description:
The first part of the route is flat and runs through the city core, ‘touching’ some key places in Trieste’s history. From the port, one of Europe’s most important maritime hubs, you pedal to the renowned Piazza Unità d’Italia, quickly reaching San Giusto Hill, the historic center and symbol of the city.

Leaving the center, the ‘Giordano Cottur’ bike/pedestrian path, built on the site of the old Campo Marzio – Erpelle railroad, begins from the San Giacomo district and climbs up toward the Val Rosandra Nature Reserve to the border.

The bike path is paved and slightly uphill for the first 5 km until it reaches the bridge over the highway. Then begins the dirt road, which is in excellent condition and offers unique vantage points.
Reaching the old station of S.Antonio in Bosco, we pass the village of San Lorenzo, from whose “Vedetta” on the karst plateau the gaze can sweep as far as the sea. After 2.5 km, you reach the Modugno Bivouac, one of nine former tollhouses recognizable along the route now designated for private use.

The route finally leads to the village of Draga St. Elias and ends, skimming the Slovenian border, at the old Draga station.

Length: 13 km
Uphill elevation gain: 410 m
Height difference on descent: 70 m
Highest point: 371 m
Lowest point: 0 m
Type of surface: mixed

Municipality of departure: Trieste
Starting location: Luigi Amedeo Duca degli Abruzzi Square
Municipality of arrival: San Dorligo della Valle
Location of arrival: Former Draga station

Recommended period:
May to October

Useful links:
http://www.turismofvg.it/Localita/Trieste
http://www.trieste.com/turismo/