Prosecco-Contovello between Karst, History and Wine

Castle and Historical Traces

Castello di Moncolano in Contovello-Prosecco is associated with a military fortress dating from the 14th to the 16th century. Only a few ruins of Castello di Prosecco, also known as Castello di Moncholano, remain near the village of Contovello. The castle was built at the beginning of the 14th century to protect important transport routes and agricultural production areas. The historical identification of Castello di Prosecco with ancient Pucinum is associated with the name Prosecco.

Water, Terraces and Karst Trails

Laghetto di Contovello is located near the Sentiero Natura and a viewpoint overlooking the landscape below. The small lake is approximately 40 metres wide, 30 metres long and no more than 2 metres deep; it is fed by a small spring and rainwater. In the past, on a plateau without surface rivers, it was a valuable water reserve.

Trails with Sea Views

The fishermen’s trails connect Moncolano and Contovello with the coast and run between dry-stone walls and the terraced Pastini. Nature Trail No. 9 passes vineyards, rural stairways, old wells and the agricultural terraces of the Pastini. Along the way, it offers views of the Gulf of Trieste, leads as far as Miramare railway station and descends from the foot of the Karst slope towards Castello di Miramare. Those looking for a family-friendly route will find the Strada Napoleonica in the Trieste Karst, a trail that can also be explored by bicycle and is suitable for families with children.

Adventure Trails and Viewpoints

A visit to Parco della Trincea del Litorale begins just a few steps from the car park of Santuario di Monte Grisa. Monte Gurca, also known as Monte di Contovello or Kontovelski hrib, is the highest point in this park and is suitable as a viewpoint. Santuario Mariano di Monte Grisa overlooks Trieste and the Gulf of Trieste. Bosco Fornace in Prosecco is also home to the adventure trail Parco del Campo di Addestramento Militare di Prosecco, dedicated to the Austro-Hungarian 97th I.R. Regiments and their role in the First World War.

Prosekar and Wine Tastings

Prosekar is an old wine tradition; the vineyards stretch across the terraces near Contovello and Prosecco. At Klin, wine tastings and wine experiences are organised in vineyards with sea views, also in cooperation with associations, institutions and other local agricultural businesses. Reservations for a tasting at Klin are required at least two days in advance.

More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also include Opicina and Basovizza.

For the main travel overview: Trieste.