STONE, among ancient limestones and let's discover Dimnice

9.00 - STONE – Walking tour of the Aurisina Stone and Quarry Museum

The tour, organised by the Estplore Society, partly follows Stone Route No. 1, the first educational route of the STONE Museum, which is entirely dedicated to the stone of Aurisina and its associated heritage. We will learn about the geological characteristics of its origin, the economic and social aspects of its extraction, the development of the territory and its long journey to the world, where it has become a true ambassador of the Karst and its special features. The guided tour will take place in the Roman Quarry, which will be open for this very occasion. This is a still-operating open-cast mine where it is possible to see the geological deposit bearing the same name, and the techniques of sawing and stone extraction up close. We will also learn about the future prospects for the use and valuation of this precious white gold.

Closed non-slip footwear is required to enter the quarry.
Location: In front of the Aurisina/Nabrežina Mayor's Office
Difficulty: Circular route with minimal difference in altitude; easy.
Duration: 9.00–12.00
More information: +39 340 7634805 (Sara) / +39 348 7942822 (Saimon)
Registration: Due to the limited number of places, registration is required for this event. Registration is available at: [email protected] until the places are filled and/or until 1 day before the event.

9.30 - Among ancient limestones, red soil and fine wines

A hike to discover local geological features will be organised alongside the wine exhibition in Sgonico/Zgonik. A circular trail through the hills will lead through forests, viewpoints overlooking the sea and among the oldest karst limestones. Visits to the small villages of Sales/Salež and Coludrozza/Koludrovca, where fine wines are produced, are also planned.

Hiking boots and a bottle of water are recommended.
Difficulty: The trail is mostly flat with a few small climbs, 6 km long and suitable for all.
Meeting point: at 9.15 in front of the Sgonico municipal building.
Duration: 9.30–12.30
Registration: Due to the limited number of places, registration is required for this event. Registration is available at: [email protected] until the places are filled and/or until 1 day before the event.

15.30 - Let's discover Dimnice – the most complete cave in the Karst

In the company of a cave guide, we will descend the spiral staircase to the bottom of the chasm into the Dance Hall, and along the way we will learn about the vegetation zones and the contact between the surface and the underground. We will continue in the glow of battery torches along the tourist trail to the Cyclops, one of the highest stalactite columns in Slovenia, and climb to the upper floor of the tunnels from the Fairy Hall to the Pan Hall, where we will observe stalactites and erosion forms.

Walking shoes and clothing suitable for the temperatures in the cave are recommended.
Location: Dimnice Cave
Registration: Due to the limited number of places, registration is required for this event. Registration is available at: [email protected] until the places are filled and/or until 1 day before the event.