Socerb Castle

Route Description

Socerb Castle or Strmec Castle is located on a high rocky edge where the Karst passes into the undulating Šavrinje Hills. Your starting point is the Varda parking lot and the trail has a beautiful view of the Gulf of Trieste as well as an intoxicating smell of pine trees. The sun shines brightly and the Thaumetopoeinae (also Processionary Caterpillars) sing loudly. It will take you about a half an hour to an hour of walking on a beautiful forest trail (that widens in the end) to get to the castle.

Overlooking the Gulf of Trieste, Socerb Castle, built on the ruins of an Illyrian hill-fort, has for centuries withstood the northern wind bora and ravages of time. In the past, the castle had a significant strategic position, controlling the political border and important routes, so it was the reason for battles between the Venetians and people of Trieste. In the 14th century, the Venetian Ducaini family lived there and they were one of the numerous owners. The present appearance of the castle differs greatly from the description of the historian and travel writer Valvasor in The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola.

A hundred and fifty meters (164 yards) away stands the entrance to the Holy Cave, which is 44 m (144 feet) deep and 200 m (656 feet) long. The castle was actually named after the patron saint of Trieste and martyr, St. Servul (St. Socerb, San Servolo). According to legend, after having converted to Christianity, Servul hid in the said cave (283 or 284) before the governor of Trieste had him executed. The Holy Cave is the only subterranean church in the world, where a mass in honour of St. Servul used to be held every May until WWII.

Today, this beautiful location is a great choice for an outdoor trip, as the trail is suitable for children over 3 years of age but unfortunately too narrow for baby strollers. The castle has an excellent view of Trieste, the Gulf of Trieste, the Alps and the sea in clear weather.

How to get there: In order to start your walk from the Varda parking lot, turn off the Ljubljana-Koper motorway at the Kozina exit, and continue on the main road towards Koper. After the village of Petrinje ends, the road begins to descend. This is where you need to pay attention and turn right onto a side road (just before the dangerous bend road sign - see the picture in our gallery). After about 200 m (218 yards) turn left immediately. Drive a little further and park in a large asphalt parking lot. From there, a narrow forest path (unmarked, look at our GPX for help) with a beautiful view of the Gulf of Trieste, takes you to the castle.

Watch our Youtube clip below in the gallery.