by InTrieste
A new cultural initiative, “Four Steps UNDERandOVER,” invites participants to explore the enchanting landscapes and hidden depths of the Karst region. This immersive experience, produced by the cultural association Opera Viva and spearheaded by Lorena Matic, aims to blend scientific inquiry with folkloric traditions, unveiling the region’s natural and mythical heritage.
The Karst, a limestone plateau extending across the Italian-Slovenian border, is renowned for its dramatic caves and subterranean formations. Recognized since the establishment of the Regional Cave Register in the 1960s, this area has long captivated speleologists and nature enthusiasts alike. The project seeks to bring this fascination to a broader audience, combining guided tours with artistic and educational events.
Unveiling the Underground World
The initiative kicked off with “Four Steps with Your Gaze Downward,” an immersive walk through Monrupino and its surroundings. Led by the seasoned speleologists of the E. Boegan Cave Commission – Alpina of the Giulie, participants delved into the natural and geological intricacies of the region, alongside its rich tapestry of legends. Goblins, fairies, and diabolical beings populate the myths of the Karst, offering a narrative thread that intertwines with the scientific exploration of the caves.
“A rich landscape heritage,” explains Matic, the project’s artistic director, “recognized since the establishment of the Regional Cave Register in the 1960s, the era when modern speleology was born, new schools opened, and new observation and research techniques were introduced, bringing the community closer to a discipline previously reserved for a few.”
A Series of Enlightening Events
The program continues with a variety of public events. On Thursday, May 30, at 5:30 p.m., the Municipal Library of San Dorligo-Dolina will host “Air of My Home,” a video projection and conference exploring the element of air within the caves, which is much more prevalent than one might assume. This event sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the natural phenomena that define the Karst.
Following this, on Saturday, June 15, at 5:30 p.m., the Museum for Speleology – Speleovivarium will inaugurate “Marvelous Monsters,” an exhibition in collaboration with the Academy of Drawing and Comics of Trieste. The exhibition will feature a scenic reading titled “Fantastic Breaths,” bringing to life the most captivating stories and legends of the Karst.
Musical Interludes in Majestic Settings
Music also plays a central role in the Four Steps UNDERandOVER project. In collaboration with the Tartini Conservatory of Music, two concerts will be held in spectacular natural settings. On Saturday, June 8, at 5:30 p.m., “Clear Water” will take place at the Mithraeum Cave in Duino Aurisina, featuring two violinists performing pieces inspired by the theme of water, echoing through the ancient cave that once flowed with a subterranean river.
Then, on Thursday, June 20, at 5:30 p.m., “Notes at the Center of the Earth” will be held in the Giant Cave of Sgonico. A brass quintet will perform in the world’s largest cave chamber, creating a unique auditory experience that celebrates the element of earth within this awe-inspiring natural cathedral.
Community and Collaboration
The project’s realization is a testament to regional collaboration and support. It has been made possible by the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, with contributions from the CRTrieste Foundation and the collaboration of various institutions, including the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Giuseppe Tartini Conservatory of Music, the Adriatic Speleological Society, the A.F. Lindner Karst Studies Society, the Flondar Speleological Group, the Eugenio Boegan Cave Commission – Alpina of the Giulie, and the Academy of Comics and Graphic Arts of Trieste.
As Lorena Matic emphasizes, “This project not only explores the physical landscape but also the rich oral traditions and legends that have shaped the cultural identity of the Karst. It’s an invitation to discover and appreciate a world that lies both beneath and above the surface.”
