The Karst Microworld: Hidden Shapes and Colours in the Rocks
26.11.2025
A fascinating journey into the microworld of Karst rocks—where science and art meet—is now possible thanks to the exhibition “The Karst Microworld: Hidden Shapes and Colours in the Rocks” (“Il Micromondo del Carso: forme e colori nascosti nelle rocce”), inaugurated on 22 November in the Sbisà Hall of Magazzino 26, in Trieste. The exhibition, the result of cross-border cooperation between Italy and Slovenia, brings together scientific research, photography, and the promotion of local heritage.
Organised by the Department of Geosciences of the University of Padua and the Geological Service of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, in collaboration with the CNR Institute of Marine Sciences and the Municipality of Trieste, the exhibition presents over 50 photographs that reveal the hidden beauty within Karst rocks, transforming geology into visual art.
When observed under the microscope, the rocks reveal a world of microfossils that turn into surprising compositions of shapes, textures, and colours. Particularly noteworthy is a large backlit panel created by Bernardo Cesare, which brings together 105 images using the photo-stitching technique, offering an impressive overall view.
Aurisina Stone, nominated for Heritage Stone status by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), is the focus of a dedicated section, highlighting its cultural and historical value.
Nicola Surian, Director of the Department of Geosciences at the University of Padua, stated: “This exhibition transforms academic research into an accessible and engaging outreach tool, demonstrating how geology can engage with culture, art, and the territory.”
Nereo Preto added: “The Department of Geosciences contributes to the KRAS–CARSO II project by providing advanced scientific expertise on carbonate rocks and the ability to translate this knowledge into an accessible language.”
The exhibition, part of the KRAS–CARSO II project co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia 2021–2027 Programme, is open to the public with free admission until 11 January 2026, from Thursday to Sunday, 10:00–17:30.
For more information, visit the website of the Municipality of Trieste.
