Opicina: Between Karst Paths, Tram and History

Opicina combines the landscape of the Trieste Karst with a remarkable tram, historic memorial sites and paths offering views of the Gulf of Trieste. This makes it possible to shape your stay in very different ways: you can explore the history of the place, take a ride on the historic tram, travel on foot or plan a cycling tour for experienced cyclists.

Taking the Historic Tram to Opicina

The historic Trieste–Opicina tram has connected Piazza Oberdan with Opicina, Slovene Opčine, since 1902. Impressive panoramic views of the Gulf of Trieste open up along the route. For travel planning, this connection is particularly interesting if you would like to combine the city and the plateau during one stay. Bicycles can also be taken on the tram so that you can continue your journey along the plateau’s paths.

Those travelling by bicycle will find a specific tour for experienced cyclists in the Itinerario 11 loop route. It begins at the tram stop on Via Campo Marzio in Opicina and ends at the terminus in Trieste city centre at Piazza Oberdan. The starting and ending points make the route an independent way to experience the connection between Opicina and Trieste actively.

Karst Landscape and Walking Paths

The Strada Napoleonica, also known as the Vicentina, is an easy walking path through the Trieste Karst with views of the Gulf of Trieste. In addition to the historic tram and cycling route, Opicina therefore also offers an opportunity to discover the landscape at a more leisurely pace. The path can be a focus of its own in your daily planning, while the panoramic views provide a particularly striking impression of the surroundings.

Historic Sites and Religious Traditions

Several sites in Opicina commemorate different periods in the history of the locality. The Stele di Zinzendorf was erected in 1780 in front of the old horse-changing station to celebrate the opening of the Via Commerciale and Bonomea. The Monumento ai caduti - Strada per Vienna from 1971 bears the names of 54 fallen soldiers from Opicina, Banne, Conconello and Piščanci.

The Chiesa S.Bartolomeo also reaches far back into history: it was consecrated in 1832, while a church capital had already stood at its site in the 10th century, in the cemetery of that time. On the first Sunday in September, the statue of the Madonna is carried there in a procession accompanied by traditional costumes and scouts. The Chiesa Villa Carsia – Maria Regina del Mondo was built in the 1950s as part of the urbanisation initiated by the Allied Military Government to accommodate people from Istria, Fiume and Dalmatia.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Opicina, you can base your choice on the focus you want for your holiday. For a trip centred on trams and culture, the historic connection to Trieste, the Stele di Zinzendorf and the churches are the main attractions. Those who prefer active pursuits can plan a visit to the Strada Napoleonica or consider the Itinerario 11 for experienced cyclists. The location of the Opicina Obelisk is open and not fenced off.

If you would then like to discover other places in the surrounding area, you can also find Basovizza and Prosecco-Contovello here.

For the overview of the wider destination: Trieste.