by InTrieste
A day of science-focused public events will take place on Saturday, May 16, as part of the “Passeggiando s’impara” (Learning While Walking) program, bringing together paleontology and geology through activities designed for families, students, and general audiences.
The morning session will be held at the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Trieste, where two guided presentations are scheduled at 10:30 a.m. in English and 11:30 a.m. in Italian in the museum’s paleontology room.
The session, titled “Understanding the Dinosaurs of the Karst,” will focus on prehistoric reptiles discovered in the Karst region, with particular attention to Carsosaurus marchesettii, a fossil species named in honor of naturalist Carlo Marchesetti. The presentation will be led by Mattia Greco of the cultural volunteer association Cittaviva, a student at the International School of Trieste.
The program highlights discoveries linked to the Villaggio del Pescatore site in nearby Duino Aurisina, where fossil remains attributed to local dinosaur species—informally referred to in the program as “Antonio” and “Bruno”—were found. The event also marks the centenary of Marchesetti’s death. He directed the museum from 1876 to 1921 and played a key role in the scientific study of the Karst region.
Organizers said the activity is intended to be accessible to families and younger visitors, including international participants, with the aim of introducing regional paleontological heritage in an informal educational setting.
In the afternoon, attention shifts outdoors with a guided geological walk titled “The Microcosm of the Karst between Globojner, Conconello and the Castellieri.” Participants will meet at 2:45 p.m. at the Globojner Park parking area before setting out on a roughly three-hour itinerary.
The excursion will be led by geologists Sara Bensi of the Geological Service of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, Lorenzo Consorti of the Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), and Ingrid Urban, a collaborator with the University of Padua. The route explores limestone formations between Padriciano–Globojner and Conconello, with a focus on microfossils embedded in the rock strata.
The walk also connects geological observations with archaeological history, as the area contains traces of ancient fortified settlements known as castellieri. Some of these remains near Globojner were documented by Marchesetti during his research on Karst archaeology and natural history.
Organizers note that participants should wear sturdy footwear and be comfortable walking on rocky trails with an elevation gain of about 90 meters. The event will proceed in all weather conditions, with possible cancellation decided on site if necessary.
Participation is free of charge, but registration is required via a form available on the museum’s website and submitted in printed form at the meeting point. On-site registration will also be accepted.
The program is part of ongoing efforts in Trieste to promote public engagement with natural sciences through direct experience in both museum and field settings.
