The path takes us to the Vrtojba border crossing and then further in the direction of Trieste until we see the sign for Devin (Duina) on the right. This leads us to the fishing village of Devin, with charming houses and the mighty Devin castle in the center of the village.
We leave the car in the free parking lot 150 meters away from the castle and go to the information center, where we can buy a ticket to tour the castle for 7 euros. The castle, which dates back to the 15th century, is one of the most interesting castles in Europe, as the third duke of Devin Castle, Alexander Torre e Tasso, and his family still live there. Nevertheless, its interior can be viewed every Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and we can walk through its castle rooms, furnished with antique furniture, paintings by various artists and other historical objects. Rainer Maria Rilke also stayed at the castle in his time, after which one of the most romantic routes is named. Rilke's path starts right above the parking lot where we left the car, and along the edge of the karst, between pine groves and a steep coast, leads us to the Sesljanska Bay. The colorful route is full of vantage points that invite us to stop and see Devin Castle from many angles. Sometimes, boards with verses of Rilke's poetry still hung on the trees, but unfortunately the ravages of time have already finished them. For the perfection of romantic moments, we will need a collection of Rilke's poems, which can be read on one of the benches along the footpath. We can also satisfy our curiosity by going down to one of the observatories and outposts that were set up during the First World War to control shipping traffic in the Gulf of Trieste. After about half an hour of walking along Rilke's path, Sesljanski Bay is revealed in front of us, which is the largest and most equipped bathing area on the Trieste coast. Apart from the fun, relaxation and other marine activities it offers, the place is popular for recreational rock climbing. The adrenaline challenge can be exchanged for a pleasant walk between the boats anchored in the harbor, and then we return to our vehicle along the same route.
Afternoon pampering
Pleasantly tired and hungry, we drive from Devin to the main road back towards the border crossing. At the first intersection, turn right for Medija vas, where the eights are held throughout the year, moving only from house to house. These date back to the time of Maria Theresa, who once a year allowed the sale of farm delicacies without taxation. The house in which they have an eight can be recognized by the frasque, or suspended bunch of ivy, that hangs at the entrance. The offer at the eight-course meal consists of typical home-made dishes, where dried meat products predominate, we can also enjoy home-made cheese prepared with olive oil and garlic, boiled sausages with cabbage and turnips, and typical home-made desserts. In addition to a delicious place setting, for which we will pay about 10 euros for two people, we will also be offered homemade wine or freshly pressed cider, which will add the finishing touch to everything good. Before the night overtakes us, we continue our trip to Gorica, Italy, where we climb from the center of the city to the city castle with its mighty medieval walls, from which we are offered a beautiful view of the entire city and countless small lights. In the castle, for 3 euros, you can also visit the war museum, which is open every day except Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a sweet ending, we cannot miss a visit to the Kekec inn, which is located above Nova Gorica and offers us a wonderful view of the Friuli plain all the way to the sea. The inn is open every day except Monday and Tuesday from noon to 10 p.m. and is mainly known for its delicious pancakes. Among them, the Kekec gratin pancake with walnut filling reigns supreme, which will provide pleasant feelings when we return home full of impressions.
