|  | Trieste 2002. Geography
Trieste is rather peculiarly wedged between the mountains and the sea. Gazing eastwards, it is possible to see the rocky green Karst, while on the other side the Adriatic Sea sways gently under the wind. The hilly area surrounding the city, that is the Karst, is composed mainly of calcareous rock, and is covered in maritime pines.
The bora is a hallmark of Trieste. The city is constantly at the mercy of this vicious wind. The tell-tale sign lies in the chans that are stretched out along the city's pavements, suspended on red-and-white-striped poles. Many tourists have puzzled over the use of this peculiar type of fence, whose purpose is to provide a handhold for elderly people, who may otherwise be knocked to the ground by the gusts of bora. The danger is not limited to elderly people: on Christmas Day 1996, the bora peaked at approximately 90mph. Be afraid... but not too afraid.
Beach bums will feel at home in Trieste, although the city offers very few beaches in the traditional sense of the word, as the climate and the presence of the sea contribute significantly to the life of Trieste. For those who had rather commune with nature, the green Karst highland will provide shelter and coolness. The Karst is windy and cool, and warm a the same time.
Particularly worthy of note is Val Rosandra, whose peculiarity lies in its origins: millions of years ago, a stream carved its way through the creases in the ground, where it still runs today. This "canyon" is a place of enjoyment and leisure, which also offers a different morphology than that of the Karst. For many people, Val Rosandra is only a fall among mountainsides and screes. Other people are aware of the existence of alternative paths and of the riddle of caves, rock climbers know where their pitons are, swimmers know the best places to dive into the river, botany experts know when the lilies bloom. Everyone has been there, as Val Rosandra is not a place to miss. The tourist is left with plenty to choose from... |
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