Motorbike itinerary from the sea of Trieste, a city of symbol of Italian culture and history, along the Slovenian border up to Castelmonte.
It is not always the Alpine passes that give us motorcyclists so many emotions. Just start from Trieste, in Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, the largest in Europe overlooking the sea, to have the first indelible memory of this motorcycle tour. Follow us!
Content index
- Trieste
- The war scenarios
- Gorizia
- The Collio
- Cividale del Friuli
- Castelmonte and the Great War
- Map and information
Trieste
We light our two cylinders with the scent of the sea still in the nostrils and head towards Barcola, aiming for the Victory Lighthouse and subsequently the hamlets of Contovello and Prosecco. The curves follow one another elegant and sweet, at a slow pace because every glimpse deserves a photo, such as the famous panorama of Trieste and with the lighthouse or the Miramare Castle.
La Grande Guerra
After the towns of Santa Croce and Sistiana, we turn our handlebars towards San Giovanni di Duino, where we can see the famous monument dedicated to the Infantry Division "Wolves of Toscana". These places have unfortunately witnessed many wars and many victims of all sides. 
From here, take the Regional SR55, also known as "Walloon“, An undemanding road but with the curves in the right place. We suggest, along the stretch that takes you to Gorizia, a stop at lakes of Doberzò and Pietrarossa. Those who want to stretch their legs can visit the Casa Cadorna Refuge, on Monte Castellazzo. To reach this site you have to start from Doberdò and walk along the CAI77 path which ends near the lake. Along the way it is also possible to admire (paying due attention) numerous military works, in particular walkways and posts. After about two kilometers you arrive at the Casa Cadorna refuge from which you can enjoy the wonderful view towards Lake Doberdò and the Trieste Karst.
Gorizia
After this sad but fascinating detour we continue towards Gorizia, a crossroads of civilizations, cultures and ethnic groups. Arrived in the central and beautiful Square of Victory, on the left you can admire the church of Sant'Ignazio and on the right you can see the medieval castle, heart and the symbol of the city. Crossing the square, take via Carducci, Piazza De Amicis in sequence, where you can visit the collections of Museums Provincials hosted in Attems Palace. After a short or long stop in the city suspended between the Italian and Slovenian borders, cross the bridge over the Isonzo river, towards Cividale del Friuli.
The Collio
The road can follow the Regional SR356, which is "softer", or you can try to follow the state roads that run along the border, both from the Italian and Slovenian side, with more "rural" roads through nature and less busy. Approaching Cividale you arrive in one of the most prestigious areas as regards the national wine production. There are numerous cellars of producers where it is possible to stop for a tasting or to buy bottles known all over the world for their value. The hills of the famous "Collio" are literally decorated with the embroidery of the vineyards, in an almost fairytale landscape.
Do not miss
Once in Corno di Rosazzo, after about 68 kilometers, the road becomes more linear. Those who want can stop for a visit to the Abbey of Rosazzo, Today it is home to a cultural center. Of particular historical and artistic interest is the abbey church dedicated to St. Peter the Apostle, dating back to the XNUMXth century and internally decorated with frescoes from the XNUMXth century.
Cividale del Friuli
In a few minutes you reach the gates of Cividale, a real gem on the Natisone river, with historical testimonies of great importance, such as the Lombard Temple. Cividale del Friuli is also the starting point of the Longobard itinerary in Italy, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Castelmonte
From Cividale follow the signs for Castelmonte. The road climbs again and in eight kilometers it goes from 135 meters of altitude in Cividale to around 600 in Castelmonte. The curves are exciting and upon arrival we find ourselves in front of the ancient and suggestive village with the sanctuary, a pilgrimage destination to venerate the Black Madonna, also known as the "Living Madonna", for its lively attitude and maternal posture, and " Beautiful Madonna ”, for the pleasantness of the features of the face.
For history lovers
Remaining on the war theme, from Trieste you can opt for a variant from the SR55 towards San Martino del Carso and then San Michele del Carso. Between these two places it stands as a witness to the dramatic years of the Great War the namesake Open Air Museum. Thanks to a series of easy routes suitable for everyone, you can discover different structures and monuments built on the slopes and on the four peaks of this karst relief dating back to the Great War. Here also Giuseppe Ungaretti fought, who with his prose has handed down to all the dramas of Monte San Michele, the scene of very hard battles on the Isonzo front.
Where to sleep and eat
For more information and other destinations you can visit the site PromoTurismoFVG. (Photo courtesy of PromoTurismoFVG).
