Sgonico

The name of Sgonico, attested in this form since 1309, derives from and means Zvonìk bell.

It is located on the plateau behind Trieste Karst and closed to the east by a line of not too high hills that mark the border with Slovenia. In Sgonico you can visit the largest tourist cave in the world: the incredible Giant Cave with its amphitheater of stalactites and stalagmites (the tallest stalagmite in the cave is 12 m and it is called Roger column), place of interest in caving and paleontological discovery in 1840. The cave also hosts a central scientific equipment such as seismographs.

You should also visit the Botanical Garden "Carsiana": it's a split in different geo-climatic habitat that exemplifies the entire biodiversity of the flora of the Carso, which are about 600 species of cultivated plants. The location was chosen for the natural features that recall the karst environment, with a large sinkhole and natural wells.

Do not forget the Natural Reserve of Monte Lanaro and suggestive osmize where you can buy and consume wine and typical products (such as ham, salami and cheese) directly to local farmers and wineries that produce them.