Discover Trieste: Relaxed journey through history and enjoyment

In Trieste, the fascination of history meets the elegance of modernity. The city that opens its doors to a world of discovery invites you to experience its unique atmosphere at your own pace. With its rich cultural heritage and pleasurable delights Triest a special mixture that inspires every traveller. As a perfect destination for pleasure travelers and slow travellers, Trieste definitely offers an unforgettable experience. The sights of Trieste are waiting to be discovered by you.

 

 

 

Trieste landmarks

Trieste is located in the northeastern tip of Italy, directly on the Adriatic coast on the Gulf of Trieste. The Slovenian border is only a few kilometers away. Trieste had been declared a Free City in 1295 and has been under the control of various powers over the centuries, including the Patriarch of Aquileia, the Venetians and the Austrians. It was only in 1954 that Trieste finally became Italian, as a result of the territorial division of the Karst after the Second World War. The city therefore presents itself to this day as a mixture of the different cultures that have left their mark.

Trieste city map

 

Piazza Unita d'Italia

Piazza Unità d'Italia is the main square in Trieste and is located at the foot of the hill where the Castello di San Giusto is located. It is often known as the largest square in Europe that faces the sea. The piazza is part of the Austro-Hungarian urban planning in Trieste​​. Before 1919 the square was known as Piazza Grande or Big Square. Local Slovenes still refer to it as Veliki trg (Big Square)​. The square has occasionally been used as a concert venue. It has also welcomed foreign heads of state and hosted international meetings​.

 

 

The Grand Canal

Located in the Theresian Quarter, this canal is known for its Venetian flair. On its banks stand buildings such as the Aedes Building, the Gopcevich Palace, the neoclassical Sant'Antonio Taumaturgo Church, the Stella Polare Café, the Saint Spyridon Church, and the Genel and Carciotti Palaces​. Two bridges and a footbridge cross the canal. The bridges, known as Ponte Rosso and Ponte Verde, were originally designed to pivot or open. They gave ships access to the canal. Today, however, they are fixed and only allow the passage of small boats at low tide​. Next to the Ponte Rosso there is also a square where an open-air market takes place.

Verdi Theatre

The façade of the Teatro Verdi, named after the composer Giuseppe Verdi, is reminiscent of the famous La Scala in Milan. In 1848 and 1850 two premieres of Verdi's operas took place in Trieste's Teatro Verdi. Today, the Teatro Verdi is one of the most visited opera houses in Italy. The theater was built in 1801 and initially had room for 1.400 spectators. In 1898 the theater was renovated and expanded to accommodate 1.531 spectators. The theater's season includes performances of operas, ballets and concerts, mostly from the traditional Italian repertoire. The theater was badly damaged during World War II and only reopened in 1973

Castle of San Giusto

Above Trieste is the Castello di San Giusto, a medieval castle and landmark of the city with a castle and weapons museum. The Castello, built by the Austrians, offers an impressive view over the Gulf of Trieste. The castle was built on the foundations of earlier Roman, Byzantine and medieval fortresses. The fortress has been expanded and completed several times over the centuries. In the 15th century, the "Fulminante" bastion was also built to strengthen the city walls.

 

Trieste sights for connoisseurs

Coffee history and coffee culture

The port of Trieste has been a free port for the import of coffee since the 18th century. This makes it one of the most important Mediterranean ports for the coffee trade. Drinking coffee in Trieste therefore has something very special, as the selection is not just limited to espresso and cappuccino. The historic coffee houses were the meeting place for writers. Even today, they radiate the charm of yesteryear. There are also several coffee roasters in the city and the coffee drinking culture is unique, with a variety of coffee types. Traditional coffee houses that were once meeting places for literary figures such as James Joyce and Italo Svevo now offer them​. There are several coffee specialties in Trieste, including Nero (black coffee), Capo (espresso with a dash of milk), Goccia (espresso with a topping of milk froth), and DECA (decaffeinated espresso). The city is also home to the Università del Caffè. This has dedicated itself to the dissemination of high-quality coffee culture.

Sights around Trieste

 

 

Miramare Castle: fairy tales by the sea

Be sure to visit Miramare Castle on the Gulf of Trieste. Its white walls gleam in the sun. Stroll through the park full of exotic plants. Miramare Castle is a 19th century castle. It is right on the Gulf of Trieste between Barcola and Grignano. The palace was built between 1856 and 1860 for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria and his wife, Charlotte of Belgium. The castle park is impressive and includes an extensive cliff and a coastal park of 22 hectares, in which numerous species of tropical trees and plants can be found

Adventure on the trails

pack yours walking boots and discover the beauty of the karst landscape. The Rilkeweg is a must. It meanders along the coast and offers spectacular views. Perhaps he inspires you like the poet Rilke once did. The Rilke trail connects the villages of Duino and Sistiana, both in the municipality of Duino-Aurisina. At the beginning of the path you can see the Bay of Sistiana, as well as local flora and fauna, near the Castle of Duino. There are three viewpoints throughout the trail. This was created during World War II.

Scenic routes

Drive or bike along the Strada Napoleonica. This panoramic route rewards you with views of Trieste and the sea. The Karst Wine Route is also recommended for wine lovers. There you will encounter traditional wineries and delicious local specialties. The Strada Napoleonica is an 8 km long path that runs mainly downhill towards the north and uphill towards the south. It begins at the obelisk monument at the southern end of the trail and heads north along the Strada Napoleonica. After 4 km you reach the end of the path. There is also a loop option for the return via Sentiero Niccolò Cobolli – Žlanjiva. The path is about 10 minutes drive from Trieste and is also served by bus. A recommended wine tasting near Trieste is also the Azienda Agricola Sancin.

 

 

Day Trips: Unknown Treasures

Take a trip to Muggia. This charming fishing village exudes Italian flair. Here you will find narrow streets, colorful houses and a harbor promenade. Muggia is a seaside town that features unique Venetian influences in its architecture. It is known for its old town, the castle and the port.

Another tip is the Grotta Gigante. It is one of the largest accessible caves in the world. Experience the natural wonder during a visit and feel like an explorer. However, the grotto can only be visited on a guided tour.

Conclusion on the Trieste sights

With the variety of its sights, Trieste has the potential to amaze you. Every corner of the city tells a story, every street reveals a new surprise. The extraordinary mixture of culture, history and Mediterranean flair makes Trieste a beautiful travel destination. Here you have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of artists and writers, or just enjoy the sweetness of doing nothing. Although you collect a lot of impressions in a short time, the feeling of being able to discover so much more remains. It is precisely this insatiability that makes Trieste a place you want to return to again and again. So take your time, enjoy every moment and let Trieste conquer your heart. Because in the end, it's not just the beauty of the sights that counts, but also the memories you associate with them.

Questions and answers about Trieste sights

 

 

Travel Arrangements

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Getting to the Trieste sights

Compare and book flights here*. Trieste has its own Airports. The city can also be reached by train. However, the easiest way to get there is by car. So you are also mobile on site. For arrival from Munich takes five hours, ex Salzburg it's four hours from Vienna four hours 50 minutes. From Portoroz in Slovenia, the journey takes half an hour. It takes two hours from Venice.

Rental car

A  Car hire from Trieste airport * you can also book here.

Accommodation near Trieste tourist attractions

For example, book yours here Accommodation in Trieste *.

 

Travel Guides

You can order travel guides for Trieste and the surrounding area here*.

If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.

 

 

 

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Source Trieste Sights: Research on site. In any case, we financed the trip ourselves. As always, our opinion remains our own.

Text Trieste Sights: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Pixabay
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline