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| English: The peninsula near castle Duino, Trieste, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
By []Tony Maniscalco
For those walking in Italy, there is a massive choice of sights (and sites) to explore. Because the country has a huge range of landscapes, there is an almost unending selection of gems waiting to be discovered. This article focuses on the Passeggiata Rilke in Friuli Venezia Giulia, in the far east of continental Italy.
The Edge of Italy
The Province of Trieste, the area that is home to the walk, is a narrow strip at the end of Italy, squeezed by neighbouring Slovenia. As a result, the area is home to a cultural and linguistic mixture of both Slovenes and Italians, making it a unique experience for those walking in Italy.
Taking in the gorgeous Mediterranean coast and the stark beauty of the Karst region, the Passeggiata Rilke is one of the most beautiful walks in north-eastern Italy. The route stretches for just over a mile along the coast, taking in the Regional Nature Reserve of the Falesie di Duino. The route of the walk begins in front of the tourist office in Sistiana, just to the north of the city of Trieste.
History of the Route
The route of the Passeggiata Rilke concludes at the beautiful Duino castle. Legend has it that the castle was home to a woman and her evil husband who threw her from the cliff. Before she plunged into the water, the gods intervened to turn her into stone. The stone, apparently resembling a veiled lady, remains in the bay to this day. The path takes in the cool pine woods of the area and the coast above the Bay of Duino. Those who choose this route while walking in Italy will find the path passes four panoramic viewing terraces that were formerly used as shooting platforms during the Second World War.
Those walking in Italy with a literary or philosophical interest will be interested to know that the route was formerly known as the Passaggeiata Duinese, but was later renamed to honour the Czech poet, novelist and philosopher Rainer Maria Rilke, who stayed in the area as a guest of the Princes of Thurn and Taxis. While residing in the region, Rilke regularly walked the route along the cliff tops and through the forests, leading him to compose the first two verses of his 'Duino Elegies.' Even for those without a poetic bone in their body, the sublime beauty of the region is both relaxing and inspirational, and it is an often-overlooked party of Italy.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us [http://www.ramblersholidays.co.uk/Holiday_Search.aspx?Search=2&utm_campaign=MAP_Italy&utm_source=ramblers&utm_medium=web]walking in Italy to see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group [http://www.ramblersholidays.co.uk/]walking holidays in over 65 different countries.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Walking-In-Italy---The-Passeggiata-Rilke&id=6531477] Walking In Italy - The Passeggiata Rilke
