Embark on an exploration of the late antique defence system that protected the Roman Empire from its enemies. The archaeological remains of the defensive wall will take you back to the second half of the third century, when an almost six-kilometre-long wall was built on the Za Presiku archaeological site, along with three towers. It closed off the local roads that ran north from Tarsatika to Tergest (Trieste).
The trail starts in Studena, a village named after the cold climate that prevails in the area. Despite the cold, Studena has been inhabited for centuries because of the fertile land that surrounds it. On this fertile land, when leaving Studena, you will observe the ancient oaks that have been resisting the cold for the past 400 years. More than 20 meters high and almost 5 meters in radius, they are a sight to behold. Next to the oaks is the church of St. Nicholas, dating back to the 16th century. The path continues along a marked hiking trail through a beech forest in the direction of Kičelj, and then along the old road to the Vranjeno hunting lodge. You will pass the hunting lodge and reach the ‘Za Presiku’ plateau, where the best-preserved segment of the defensive wall of the Claustra Alpium Iuliarum system is located. While examining this important element of the Roman Empire’s defence, take a break in a nearby meadow next to a beautiful deciduous and evergreen forest, full of rich flora and fauna. The return trip to Studena initially takes you to the Mržljak pond, and then back to the starting point along a forest path and good macadam.
