Opicina – Cultural History and Karst Trails

Opicina offers different ways to plan your trip: cultural history, trails in the Karst and the historic tram to Trieste. If you are still weighing up destinations, you can also include the pages on Prosecco-Contovello and Basovizza in your selection.

Cultural History in Opicina

The Stele di Zinzendorf was erected in 1780 in front of the old horse-changing station. It commemorates the opening of the Via Commerciale and Bonomea. At Chiesa S.Bartolomeo, two dates far apart in time come together: a church capital was already located at the site of the church in the 10th century, in what was then a cemetery; the church itself was consecrated in 1832. The capital is therefore evidence of the site's earlier religious use, not the year the church was consecrated.

Chiesa S.Bartolomeo is also the setting for a religious tradition: on the first Sunday in September, the statue of the Madonna is carried there in a procession, accompanied by traditional costumes and scouts. Another memorial site is the Monumento ai caduti - Strada per Vienna. Erected in 1971, the monument bears the names of 54 fallen people from Opicina, Banne, Conconello and Piščanci. The places named make clear which communities this commemoration concerns.

Another stop in the area's history is Chiesa Villa Carsia – Maria Regina del Mondo. It was built in the 1950s as part of the urbanization initiated by the Allied Military Government. The church was intended to accommodate people from Istria, Fiume and Dalmatia. Alongside the older Chiesa S.Bartolomeo, it represents a different historical period and a different background: here, the focus is on post-war development.

Tram, Walk and Cycling Route

Since 1902, the historic Trieste–Opicina tram has connected Piazza Oberdan with Opicina, known as Opčine in Slovenian. The route offers panoramic views of the Gulf. Bicycles can be taken on the tram, allowing you to continue along the trails on the plateau. This means the connection combines transport history, scenic views and the option of continuing your journey by bike.

For a walk, Strada Napoleonica, also known as Vicentina, runs through the Trieste Karst and offers a view of the Gulf of Trieste. By contrast, the Itinerario 11 cycling route is specifically intended for experienced cyclists: it starts at the tram stop on Via Campo Marzio in Opicina and ends at the terminus in central Trieste, at Piazza Oberdan. These details help you choose between the two activities: an easy walk through the Karst or a cycling tour with a specified target group and set start and end points.

The site of the Opicina Obelisk is open and unfenced. To decide whether Opicina is a good fit for your stay, you can weigh up your interests: the historic sites, a walk in the Karst or a cycling tour for experienced riders. Discover more destinations: Prosecco-Contovello, Basovizza.

For the broader travel overview: Trieste.