The Strada Napoleonica
The panoramic walk over the gulf between Opicina and Prosecco
On the edge of the Carso plateau, high above Trieste, the Strada Napoleonica, officially Strada Vicentina, is one of the favourite walks of the Triestini: a wide, flat path about 5 kilometres long that runs along the top of the cliffs, at about 300 metres above sea level, from Opicina, near the Obelisk, to the village of Prosecco, offering one of the most spectacular views in northern Italy. Below, the whole city of Trieste stretches out, with the port, the Molo Audace and Piazza Unità, the Castle of Miramare on its promontory, the gulf and, on clear days, the coast of Istria, Grado and even the Alps and the Dolomites on the horizon. Despite its name, the road was not built by Napoleon, but in the nineteenth century, after the end of the French domination.
The path, closed to traffic, is suitable for everyone, for walkers, runners and families, and runs between the rock walls on one side, which are among the most popular climbing crags in the area, and the steep slopes covered with holm oaks, sumac and pines on the other side, which in autumn turn red and golden. Along the way there are benches, viewpoints and a small refreshment point. Opicina can be reached from the centre of Trieste by bus or, when it is in service, by the historic Tram di Opicina, a tramway opened in 1902 which, on its steepest section, was pushed by a funicular. At the other end, the village of Prosecco gives its name to the famous wine, whose grape variety originated here.
Tip: walk the road in late afternoon to enjoy the sunset over the gulf; have a snack in an osmiza on the Carso.
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