Monte Cocusso

Monte Cocusso is a mountain summit in the Trieste Karst that sits on the border between Italy and Slovenia at 672 meters elevation. The landscape features steep slopes, limestone formations, and forests of black pine that cover the slopes and ridges.

The mountain holds remains of an ancient burial site called Velika Groblja at 662 meters elevation that dates back to the Bronze Age. These archaeological discoveries show that the region was inhabited and used by people since prehistoric times.

The people living near Basovizza called this mountain Mačka, which means Cat in their language, while Ožeg refers to a significant fire that once swept through the area. These local names show how communities connected their landscape to everyday life and memorable events.

The mountain is accessible via the T1 hiking trail that leads to the summit and connects with the longer Vertikala SPDT route crossing 24 peaks. Plan your visit during warmer months when the weather is more stable and the paths are easier to walk.

The mountain was the site of tree-planting experiments in the 1800s that introduced Greek firs and spruce trees alongside the native black pine forests. These old plantings remain visible today and show how foresters once tested different species in this alpine region.