On the afternoon of Wednesday 24 September we are organising an excursion
to see some things of interest in the local area. After lunch, coaches
will take us to the Val Rosandra Park, south of Trieste. This is an impressive
limestone gorge with a river running along it and the surrounding area is
a nature reserve. We will walk along the valley, viewing the Roman
acqueduct (which used to supply much of the fresh water for the city), the
church of Santa Maria in Saris (perched on the side of the gorge), the
waterfall and the small village of Botazzo with its deserted border-post
which used to be part of the iron curtain. We will then take the small
road leading up the hillside to San Lorenzo from which there are fine
views. Following refreshments, the coaches will then take us across a part
of the Carso (the high limestone plateau above Trieste) to the Sanctuary
of Monrupino which consists of a 16th century church and associated
buildings on a hilltop with commanding views of the surrounding country.
This hilltop was fortified in the bronze age and there are remains of the
"castelliere" constructed at that time. In the 15th century, it was
fortified again and used as a refuge by the local people at the time of
the Turkish invasions. From Monrupino, the coaches will then take us to
Rupingrande, where we will have dinner at the Trattoria Krizman, and will
then take us back to the city again.
 
The walking on the excursion is not difficult and should not present a
problem for anybody who is normally healthy. However, the path is rough in
places and STRONG SHOES are advised!