Kras/Carso
The Kras (Karst, Carso in Italian) region, situated between Trieste and the Vipava Valley, has given its name to karst phenomena worldwide. Internationally recognised geographical terms such as polje, dolina, and planina also originate from this area. A karst landscape forms as water seeps through permeable limestone, resulting in the absence of surface rivers and the development of an extensive underground cave system. The region is characterised by its red soil, known as jerovica, which gives the landscape its distinctive appearance.
The most picturesque village is Štanjel, where the castle contains a wine cellar with a diverse culinary selection. Beside the village lies the distinctive Ferrari Garden, designed by Maks Fabiani (p. 100), who was born in nearby Kobdilj.
The area’s best-known speciality is Kraški pršut (Karst prosciutto), traditionally dried in the bora wind, along with other cured pork products such as pancetta, vratovina (pork neck), and zašinek (dry-cured pork neck). The Karst is also renowned for its wines, particularly the indigenous red variety Teran, while the white variety Vitovska Grganja has recently gained in popularity.
Avtor: Blaž Kosovel