Prehistoric megaliths near Volčji grad

June 25, 2023

HIKING
LOCAL CUISINE
CYCLING
UNSPOILED NATURE
TRADITION
IN-DEPTH EXPERIENCES

In prehistoric times, hillforts were spread on numerous hills across the Kras and Istria. There were dozens of them, but few (or even none) are preserved in such an intact form as the Debela Griža hillfort near Volčji grad. Of course, three thousand years ago or more, it was not called the same as it is today. The current name gave to the hillfort the locals, because such high and wide piles of stones (griža) you will not find neither in the Kras, nor anywhere else. The site has been in use almost all the time over the millennia, but its shape has remained so intact that the visitor can at least imagine its original appearance.

Nevertheless, the village next to the construction site can boast of several attractions, but first, a rich stonemasonry heritage. This remained “written” on many architectural details of the houses, especially on the beautifully carved entrance portal “koulona”. The legacy of working with stone can be seen in the surroundings of the village, too, where the locals connected the prehistoric site with javas (quarries), shepherds’ houses and dry-stone walls in the Path of the Stone. Our route will lead us along all these points of interest, to which we will add at the end a fragment from the period of the First World War, which also left an important historical mark on these places.

In terms of fitness, it is completely undemanding, as there are practically no steep slopess (except for the already mentioned rock pile) and it is suitable for everyone, including children.
Duration of the trip:4 hours
Estimated mileage:5,8 km
Estimated total ascent:61 m
Necessary equipment:hiking shoes
Countries:Slovenia
Begin/End:Volčji grad
Price 30 EUR

Highlights:

  • the prehistoric site of Debela Griža
  • stonemasonry and dry stone heritage on the Path of Stone:
    • javas (quarries)
    • shepherd’s house
    • dry masonry walls
    • entrance arches “porton”
    • stone sign “pil”…

Price includes:

  • management and organization of the trip
  • snack at the end of the trip

.Overall Tour Level::

Tour description:

Our starting point is at the parking area in front of the village, where we are greeted by an artfully carved religious sign – a stone sign “pill”. We leave the paved main road at the first turn to the right and find ourselves on macadam roads.

We continue past the houses on the outskirts of the village and very soon, we can see a high stone hill in front of us, which is a remnant of the outer defensive wall of the hillfort. We climb to its top, from where, despite the tall trees in the area, beautiful views of the surroundings open up. We continue past the inner defensive ring into the interior of the fort, which has been in constant use for thousands of years. Its last important role was during the First World War, when the Austro-Hungarian soldiers laid a water pipe through it, which was a great relief for the fighters there.

After exiting the building site, we come across the remains of quarries – java. The path continues to lead us to a stone dry-walled shepherd’s house and past many dry-walled walls through the woods back to the entrance to a somewhat secluded part of the village called Brith. There used to be a cemetery once, but now there stands only a village church with an separate bell tower. A stone slab on the church facade testifies to the fact that these places were under the rule of the Roman Empire.

We continue, again along the carriageway, to the current cemetery and further through the forest. Soon we are back on the main asphalt road. A few steps further, in the direction of the neighboring village, there is a well-kept village pond “kal”, from which we return to the village and walk among the many traditional stone houses and admire the stonemasonry of their creators. We look at the village pond “lokev”, the commune fountain “štirna”, the village main crossing “kržada” and more…

We branch off from the village towards the hamlets in the east of the village, from where there are wonderful views of Nanos and the Vipava hills. Before we return to the starting point of the excursion, we visit a water tank and a pumping station with two engines – also a legacy of the First World War.

.Overall Tour Level::

Irena Hlede is an architect by education, but has also worked in the fields of graphic design, journalism and sustainable mobility. She has been engaged in many sports activities, from sailing to skiing or badminton, but the common thread throughout remains cycling. She regularly collaborate with the non-governmental organization Slovenian cycling network and with the European Cycling Federation ECF, lectures on cycling and remains loyal to long-distance cycling at all times. In this field, she completed trainings for the Assessor under the scheme “Cycling-Friendly Employer”, Development of Mobility Plans and for the EuroVelo Route Inspector. She obtained as well the title and knowledge of a tourist guide at the national level and is the founder and owner of the travel agency GremoZeleno – GoGreenWay. In addition to “her” areas of architecture and art, she is also keenly interested in ethnology, geography and history with an emphasis on everything related to our tradition, especially some “silent” areas, such as the existence of pagan religions. She researches as well many “borderline” skills, such as dowsing or geomancy. She is a convinced environmentalist and an opponent of violence and wars.

She speaks English and French and, of course, Croatian and Serbian.

Mostly flat terrain, only shorter lower hills are possible.
Slightly hilly terrain, ascents and descents are shorter and technically and undemanding for those who are not fit enough.
Hilly terrain, ascents and descents can also be longer and steeper-
Hilly terrain, ascents and descents can be very long and technically demanding.
Mountainous terrain, very demanding ascents and descents on single tracks, tows or otherwise demanding trails that require a high level of fitness and technical skills.
 EASY: Relaxed and gentle hikes for hikers of average fitness and generally good health. They lead along maintained paths and are marked with boards or markings. The terrain is mildly undulating, without challenging ascents and descents. No prior hiking experience is required, so they are suitable for beginners as well. Daily walking is limited to 3-5 hours or a maximum of 12 kilometers.
MEDIUM EASY: In principle, undemanding hikes, but in some places they can also include a longer hike on medium-demanding hills with steeper ascents or descents. In general, the hiking trails are well maintained, but shorter sections with a rougher surface in places and steeper or exposed trail sequences are possible. Daily walking is limited to 4-6 hours or a maximum of 15 kilometers.
MEDIUM DEMANDING: Suitable for more experienced hikers with generally good fitness. The moderately demanding hiking level includes longer hiking trails and steeper ascents and descents. Longer sections of ascents or descents or several short steep ascents or descents are also possible on the route. The terrain can be mixed, including rocky areas and mixed surfaces. Daily walking is limited to 5-7 hours or a maximum of 20 kilometers.
DEMANDING: Suitable for active, physically fit hikers who want challenging hiking experiences. They also cover longer steep climbs or descents and high-altitude (climbing) areas of the ground, which can also be rough or slippery in places. The hikes are mostly moderately demanding, but some are also longer and more demanding. From time to time, it is also possible to hike from the hut to the hut, when you have to carry your own luggage / backpack. Daily walking is limited to 6-9 hours or a maximum of 30 kilometers.
VERY DEMANDING: Suitable for very experienced and physically fit hikers. Navigation experience required. Steep ascents and descents over rough and mixed surfaces in high mountain areas are covered, as well as on exposed paths, fixed turnouts and slippery surfaces. It can be expedition-style and require demanding daily walks, in areas where you walk from hut to hut and carry your own luggage / backpack. The daily volume of walking is on average 8-10 hours, or more than 30 kilometers.

DATE

June 25, 2023


PRICE 

(at least 6 people)

Prehistoric megaliths near Volčji grad

Price:
(at least 6 applicants)

30,00 

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Deadline for applicationsa::

Thursday, June 22, 2023

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Mobile: + 386 (0)40 26 44 33
E-mail:  info@gogreenway.eu