The tradition of rock climbing in Trieste began at the beginning of the last century when the first rock/faces were opened up in the Val Rosandra, but it wasn't until the 1920's with the renowned mountaineer Emilio Comici that people began to speak of a Trieste School, and climbing became increasing popular. Today, these is no suitable part of the local area without its historical routes.
The most popular destinations for climbers, experts and beginners alike, are the splendid limestone cliff s with their breathtaking views that reward a successful ascent. Especially in the spring and the autumn you can see a line of bodies hanging from ropes from the smallest rockface - that of Sistiana where the first climb is only two meters from the beach - to the high, almost Alpine ascents of the Val Rosandra with over 300 different routes of various levels of difficulty. The rock-faces of Costiera and Napoleonica are also popular and especially appreciated not only for the view but because they are sheltered from the Bora, Trieste's very own wind.

Point of interest
The first climbing school opened by the Italian Alpine Club (C.A.I.) was here in Trieste at the entrance to the Val Rosandra at the mountain hut 'Rifugio Premuda', only 80 meters above sea level. One of the instructors was Emilio Comici, in whose memory a memorial stone was placed on the summit of Crinale. Climbers from Trieste still come to the Val Rosandra to train on the short but difficult rock-faces.