Vineyards, prosciutto, commons and trails of peace

Štanjel - Cerje / 30 km

From Štanjel, the third stage takes you through typical karst landscape, among vineyards and commons to Kobljeglava where you can visit a traditional prosciutto producer and taste vintage karst prosciutto. In the nearby village Volčji Grad there's the natural science trail through Debela Griža, remnants of an encampment from the Bronze and Iron ages. On a local farm you can enjoy a wholesome lunch. From there the way leads past Komen and the picturesque village Škrbina under the tallest hill in these parts, Mt Trstelj, to the very edge of the primordial Karst, the Cerje. The goal of this final stage rewards you with breathtaking views on all sides of the sky, inviting to the visit of the Monument of Peace at the crossroads of the Walks of Peace commemorating the events of the First World War.

Debela griža, Volčji Grad

The slopes of the Karst are filled with remnants of prehistoric settlements and fortified sites where prehistoric peoples sought protection. These are still recognized by their stone walls created in drywall construction technique, continuing to impress aeons later with their monumental form.

Debela Griža at the edge of the village Volčji Grad is a remnant of a great fortified flatlands site from the Bronze and Iron ages, likely dating to 8th century B.C. The fortified settlement with the external perimeter of some 850 m and internal perimeter of some 680 m was the centre point of other nearby settlements. It was surrounded by a single, at some points double wall, constructed from vast amounts of rock.

Volčji Grad

Many consider the Volčji Grad one of the most beautiful little Karst villages, enchanting visitors with characteristic architecture and marvellous stone-chiselled details. In the past the village was home to generations of masons whose stonework adorns the village houses and infrastructure. There, you can see beautifully carved portals called kalona, embellished wells, window frames, stone gullies and various adornments and details, all making your walk around the Volčji Grad a memorable experience.

Cerje Monument of Peace

At the edge of the Karst Plateau, on the Cerje lookout point stands the 25 metres tall Monument of Peace, keeping precious relics of history and the arts. It is placed in the heart of a natural amphitheatre, offering views on all sides of the sky, over the Adriatic Sea, the Friuli-Venetian Basin, the Julian Alps, and the Vipava Valley.

The monumental seven-floor tower speaks of Slovene history, from the Freising manuscripts, the oldest preserved records in Slovene language, across great historical events of the First World War to the anti-fascist movement and Slovenia's war for independence. The viewing platform at the top symbolizes facing the future. On the 4th and 5th floor, the Monument of Peace regularly hosts art exhibitions.