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Small and unusual, Trieste is known as "the pearl of the Adriatic", a different continent lies around each corner. Nestled between the Carso mountains and the sea. The capital of operettas and the "bella vita". Where Austria and America meet.






Italian Unity Square


The biggest piazza in Europe, overlooking the sea, the city's front room
Place Unité d'Italie
Trieste
Italy
This is not simply a piazza, but the very heart of Trieste: its lounge, its soul, its business center, as well as the commercial and political center. Very busy of course during the week , it plays an important role on Sunday mornings when thousands of people descend on this large European piazza that overlooks the sea. Here, they drink coffee, meet friends, colleagues and acquaintances, all in a very unique atmosphere. The piazza also accommodates many concerts, festivals, shows and exhibitions. Shaped in a perfect rectangle and surrounded by amazing palaces: the Municipio with its clock tower; the Stratti, housing General Insurance and also the Caffè degli Specchi and the Palazzo del Lloyd Trestino, which once housed the oldest Italian navigation company. Finally there is also the Prefettura or government palace and the lovely liberty building that houses the fine Duca d'Aosta hotel. And at the piazza's center stands the 18th century Quattro Continenti fountain, the former terminal of the Maria Teresa d'Austria aqueduct. It would be a grave sin to visit Trieste and not have a coffee in this lovely piazza.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Italian Unity Square photo by David Harding
Photo: David Harding
Italian Unity Square photo by Luca Deboli
Photo: Luca Deboli
Italian Unity Square photo by Andrew Whitacre
Photo: Andrew Whitacre
Italian Unity Square photo by David Harding
Photo: David Harding
Italian Unity Square photo by scottpartee
Photo: scottpartee
Italian Unity Square photo by spaceodissey
Photo: spaceodissey
Italian Unity Square photo by spaceodissey
Photo: spaceodissey
Italian Unity Square photo by luca.candini
Photo: luca.candini
Italian Unity Square photo by Luca Deboli
Photo: Luca Deboli
 

 
Jewish Synagogue


One of the most important Jewish places of worship in Europe.
Via San Francesco, 19
Trieste 34133
Italy
+39 40 37 1466
This synagogue was founded as an Israelite temple on the 27th June 1912. It was built by Ruggero and Arduino Berlam who were well known architects in Trieste at the time. Today it is recognized as one of the largest and most important place of worship for Jews in Europe. The community began to grow in Trieste in the fourteenth century and it had grown substantially after the proclamation by the Austro Hungarian emperor that Trieste was to become a free port. They were forced to live a ghetto until 1785. This law was then abolished by Joseph II, the emperor of Austria. This situation allowed the possibility of a place of worship and an international competition was organized for the design, in which some forty two people competed. Berlam won the competition and he began the synagogue's construction in 1908. The synagogue faces onto Piazza Giotti, between the city centre's chaotic Via Battisti and Via Carducci. The entrance faces onto the narrow Via Francesco.(This is necessary so that it faces towards Jerusalem). It's an impressive building and it has a massive façade which is full of stylistic references to the east and to fourth century Syria. Inside, it is bare and solemn. The objects needed for services are kept inside the holy ark (crowns, tass and rimmonim.) Some of these date back to the eighteenth century. The synagogue was closed in 1942 following the instigation of the Race laws under the Fascist regime. As soon as the war finished the synagogue went back into operation. It is only possible to visit the synagogue on Thursdays.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Jewish Synagogue photo by Escapista
Photo: Escapista
 

 
La Lanterna Lighthouse


The only bathing establishment in Europe with a women's section
Molo Fratelli Bandiera, 3
Trieste 34123
Italy
+39 40 30 5922
Near the city centre, this is the only beach in Europe where there is a barrier separating an area reserved for women and children from an area reserved for men. This is considered a piece of history, and is like a monument. Apart from this detail, there are no special facilities here, yet hundreds of people come here daily after the office or for a relaxing day out. The entrance fee is extremely cheap and there is a peaceful atmosphere, as well as equipment to facilitate disabled access into the sea. It is open from the first June to 30th September every day from 6a to 8p.

Review © 2007, Wcities
La Lanterna Lighthouse photo by Alberto Avramidis
Photo: Alberto Avramidis
La Lanterna Lighthouse photo by diariodiari
Photo: diariodiari
La Lanterna Lighthouse photo by massimo casanova
Photo: massimo casanova
La Lanterna Lighthouse photo by Monica Bernich
Photo: Monica Bernich
 

 
Marian Temple


An extraordinary church -a little cheese
Località Contovello, 455
Trieste 34017
Italy
+39 40 22 5290
The people of Trieste refer affectionately to this temple as the "little cheese" because of its triangular shape. In fact, the Mariano Temple of Monte Grisa is an extraordinary construction. Its bulk dominates the whole city and the beautiful gulf below it. It is on one of the most beautiful and attractive parts of the Carso and the view from the top is breathtaking. It is definitely worth making the tortuous ascent up to the church. It was built under the wishes of the then bishop Antonio Santin in 1945. It was built for diplomatic reasons during the war over Italian sovereignty over Trieste (which was challenged by Yugoslavian troops under Marshall Tito). The church was dedicated to Mary, "mother and queen", by Pope John XXIII in 1959. They intended to transform it into a symbol of solidarity between east and west. This plan was finished in 1965 and was consecrated on May 22 a year later. Since then it has provided a destination for pilgrims from all over Italy and abroad. It's seen as an oasis for prayer. The interior is very sober and perhaps a little too bleak - there aren't any wall paintings. There is however a beautiful crucifix which is by Trieste's sculptor Marcello Mascherini.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Marian Temple photo by Michelangelo Zanetti
Photo: Michelangelo Zanetti
 

 
Miramare Castle


Enchanting castle looking over the sea
Viale Miramare
Trieste 34136
Italy
+39 40 22 4143
http://www.castello-miramare.it
This castle was the home of Maximilian until he was forced to leave and become the Emperor of Mexico. The next resident, Duke Amedeo of Savoy made it the seat for various military commands. In 1955, it was transformed into a museum. The castle still has the original furniture commissioned by Maximilian. There is a chapel; the Japanese and Chinese rooms, rich in oriental ornaments; and the apartments where the Duke of Savoy lived. Miramare is set in an extraordinary park, which extends over 22 hectares. Guided tours are available upon request: call for tour, parking and admission fees.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Miramare Castle photo by Yasin Memari
Photo: Yasin Memari
Miramare Castle photo by Cristina Baldanzi
Photo: Cristina Baldanzi
Miramare Castle photo by Dario Manzoni
Photo: Dario Manzoni
Miramare Castle photo by David Harding
Photo: David Harding
Miramare Castle photo by Lucio Agnelli
Photo: Lucio Agnelli
Miramare Castle photo by Yasin Memari
Photo: Yasin Memari
Miramare Castle photo by Rodrigo R. Alvarez
Photo: Rodrigo R. Alvarez
Miramare Castle photo by Tessa Matsuzaki
Photo: Tessa Matsuzaki
Miramare Castle photo by Photo Kacciuk
Photo: Photo Kacciuk
Miramare Castle photo by David Harding
Photo: David Harding
Miramare Castle photo by Magdolna Elekes
Photo: Magdolna Elekes
Miramare Castle photo by Elisa Bracco
Photo: Elisa Bracco
Miramare Castle photo by Pierpaolo bisiacco
Photo: Pierpaolo bisiacco
Miramare Castle photo by Alex Casa
Photo: Alex Casa
Miramare Castle photo by Yvan Huberman
Photo: Yvan Huberman
Miramare Castle photo by london_ally
Photo: london_ally
Miramare Castle photo by Urbano Franca
Photo: Urbano Franca
Miramare Castle photo by shadowsheep
Photo: shadowsheep
Miramare Castle photo by Paul S. Danko
Photo: Paul S. Danko
Miramare Castle photo by estee paganes
Photo: estee paganes
Miramare Castle photo by Ed Dicks
Photo: Ed Dicks
Miramare Castle photo by green_lover
Photo: green_lover
Miramare Castle photo by Marcela Tomada
Photo: Marcela Tomada
Miramare Castle photo by Elio Macor
Photo: Elio Macor
Miramare Castle photo by Antonio
Photo: Antonio
Miramare Castle photo by Laura's_images
Photo: Laura's_images
Miramare Castle photo by Federico R.
Photo: Federico R.
Miramare Castle photo by Laura's_images
Photo: Laura's_images
Miramare Castle photo by Colin Hepburn
Photo: Colin Hepburn
Miramare Castle photo by michela pecora
Photo: michela pecora
Miramare Castle photo by Desiree Di Leo
Photo: Desiree Di Leo
Miramare Castle photo by Beatrice
Photo: Beatrice
Miramare Castle photo by seozzy
Photo: seozzy
Miramare Castle photo by Angela Bosco
Photo: Angela Bosco
Miramare Castle photo by Fatina blu
Photo: Fatina blu
Miramare Castle photo by Adriano Legovich
Photo: Adriano Legovich
 

 
Miramare Marine Natural Reserve


Lake reserve
Viale Miramare, 349
Trieste 34136
Italy
+39 40 22 4147
This reserve stretches over more then 30 hectares in the area in front of the Castello di Miramare. This area is considered to be an important place of scientific and cultural interest because of its natural and geomorphological characteristics, for the physical and biochemical characteristics in the sea, and for the high biodiversity of the vegetable and animal life which it contains. The Centre for Marine Enviroment Education is located here, an institute which was started up in 1989 with the aim to create popular programs in the biology and marine ecology sectors. The Centre has a classroom laboratory and a room with some acquariums and some sophisticated analysis equipment (such as the plankton tank). The outside areas are also dedicated to teaching activities. Don't miss out on the underwater guided tours which are organised by the institute from time to time, these take place over a day or a weekend. These tours take you to an extraordinary and unknown world which will take your breath away. For information and bookings phone the number provided during office hours.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Miramare Marine Natural Reserve photo by Andrew Jaffe
Photo: Andrew Jaffe
Miramare Marine Natural Reserve photo by Andrew Jaffe
Photo: Andrew Jaffe
Miramare Marine Natural Reserve photo by Itay Banner
Photo: Itay Banner
Miramare Marine Natural Reserve photo by Giacomo Bonetti
Photo: Giacomo Bonetti
 

 
Politeama Rossetti


Home of the local theatre company, A real focal point for all Trieste locals
Viale XX Settembre, 45
Trieste 34126
Italy
+39 40 56 7201 / +39 40 35 0332
Together with the Verdi, this is one of the two theatres that have remained from the five that at the beginning of the century livened up Trieste's daily and cultural life. Home of the local theatre company for the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region, il Politeama Rossetti, from an architectural point of view, is the most beautiful and imposing building in the Viale XX Settembre. Built in 1878 and named after the humanist Trieste man, Domenico Rossetti, the theatre remains today an important point of reference for locals of all ages. In the city that boasts the greatest number of theatre lovers in Italy, buying season tickets for the Rossetti's shows is a habit that can not be broken. And with such a following, the theatre has radically renewed its bill in recent years, alternating traditional shows with more innovative works, even holding the occasional easy listening concert.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Public Garden


A park with swans and hens in Trieste centre
Via Battisti
Trieste
Italy
The signs at the entrance are prohibitive: you can't play with a ball or ride a bike. These lovely gardens near Viale XX Settembre have, however, been the playground of children for years whether playing with balls or rushing around on bikes. The park was not created for children though and this is obvious from the flower beds and the twisting paths that still exist from the early 20th century which are more like romantic walks than a playground. On the north side there is a small play area with swings, slides and roundabouts. But do go to see the swans in the pond, and the hens that cluck around the avenues are so amusing. In the summer, the main open area becomes an open air cinema.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Public Garden photo by guendal cecovini a.
Photo: guendal cecovini a.
 

 
Rilke Path


Enjoyable walk dedicated to German author
Sentiero Rilke
Trieste
Italy
This beautiful shore path has woods on one side and breathtaking views over the Sistiana Bay on the other. It is only a few kilometers long and an easy walk. It starts from the seasonal base of the Azienda di promozione turistica di Sistiana and ends at the entrance to the village of Duino. To get to this path from Trieste, take the number 44 bus, which stops across the road from the head of the path. If you drive, then be aware that there is limited parking space—you might want to park further down the road.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Rilke Path photo by paolodeck
Photo: paolodeck
Rilke Path photo by morbin
Photo: morbin
Rilke Path photo by morbin
Photo: morbin
Rilke Path photo by paolodeck
Photo: paolodeck
Rilke Path photo by Francesca Del Favero
Photo: Francesca Del Favero
Rilke Path photo by Mefistofilo
Photo: Mefistofilo
 

 
Roman Theatre


Roman Amphitheatre.
Via del Teatro Romano
Trieste 34121
Italy
This beautiful Roman amphitheatre was built between the I and II centuries AD by Quinto Petronio Modesto. He was the governor of Trieste under the emperor Trajan. It was uncovered between 1937 and 1939 (in fact it was covered with modern and medieval housing). The theatre is located between the Capitoline hill and Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia. It is worth taking a look even if it has been rather badly looked after. At one time it could seat some six thousand spectators in the seats which are built into the hill leading to San Giusto. The semicircle would have been adorned with statues at that time, these are now in the care of the city's history and art museum. It is thought that when it was built it faced toward the sea and was just outside the city walls.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Roman Theatre photo by Kees van Leijenhorst
Photo: Kees van Leijenhorst
Roman Theatre photo by Serena Tang
Photo: Serena Tang
Roman Theatre photo by Giuseppe Lucido
Photo: Giuseppe Lucido
 

 
St. Francis Church


Enchanting church
Via Giulia, 70
Trieste 34126
Italy
This large church, which is near the city centre, along the chaotic Via Giulia, has a wonderful atmosphere. A small group of Franciscan friars live here, and it seems to be stuck in time. There is a small garden in the back which can be visited on request and the courtesy and simplicity of the friars is exceptional. The building was put up in the first half of the twentieth century, and the stone walls and large interior are truly enchanting. One of the most beautiful churches in Trieste.

Review © 2007, Wcities
St. Francis Church photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
St. Nicholas Church


Greek orthodox church
Riva Tre Novembre, 7
Trieste 34121
Italy
There is a large Greek community in Trieste. The construction of this sacred building dates back to 1782 when the Greek community separated from the Orthodox Serb community because of serious disagreements. After years of work, the last façade was finished in 1819 by the famous local architect, Matteo Pertsch, who - with perfect neoclassical rigour - decorated it with six ionic columns which support a tympaneum flanked by two bell towers. The small courtyard and gate were also designed by Pertsch. The building's interior is particularly rich, with icons and seats reserved for the most important local Greek families. There are two paintings by Cesare dell'Acqua on the walls which depict a Blessing Jesus (1854) and Saint John Preaching (1852). Other pictures adorn the pulpit, the choir, and the gynaeceum, while the icons contain precious works of Venetian and Muscovite goldsmithery. The annexed Museum of the Community contains some important Venetian, Cretan, and Greek icons. This building is located in the heart of the city, near all the historical cafés, the new pedestrian areas, and the old town.

Review © 2007, Wcities
St. Nicholas Church photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
St. Spiridione Church


Orthodox Serb Church
Via San Spiridione, 1
Trieste 34121
Italy
The Orthodox Serb community has been present in Trieste for many years, and has become well-integrated into the city's social structure. The San Spiridione Church was built over an already existing structure which dated back to 1751. The old building was demolished after the Serb's separation from the Greek Orthodox community in around 1861, and the building work started on the current church (designed by the Milanese architect Carlo Maciacchini) which was finished in 1866. The San Spiridione is built in a Neo-Byzantine style, with mosaics, belltowers, and cupolas which are typical of Eastern churches. The mosaics were designed by the Milanese painter Giuseppe Bertini, and were built in Venetian workshops. The windows are by Pompeo Bertini, while the statues on the facade are by Emilio Bisi. The interior, in the form of a Greek cross, is full of light and gold, and oil paintings by Bertini which imitate the mosaic. There are four icons with precious silver decoration which were made in Moscow, and another two large icons and a painted cross on the altars in the presbyterate which is off limits to the public. Votive lights and candles give the church a warm and welcoming feel. At the entrance to the church you can see a lamp which was donated by Tzar Paul I Romanov when he visited Trieste in 1782. Trieste's Orthodox Serb community is the largest in Italy, mainly due to its extreme proximity to the ex-Jugoslavan borders.

Review © 2007, Wcities
St. Spiridione Church photo by Andrew Whitacre
Photo: Andrew Whitacre
St. Spiridione Church photo by Andrew Whitacre
Photo: Andrew Whitacre
St. Spiridione Church photo by Dean Zobec
Photo: Dean Zobec
St. Spiridione Church photo by Alejandro Serrano
Photo: Alejandro Serrano
 

 
St. Sylvester's Basilica


The oldest church in Trieste
Piazza San Silvestro, 1
Trieste 34121
Italy
On the San Giusto hill, five minutes from the Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia, is the oldest church in the city. It dates from the paleo-Christian era and is a small building in a clear Roman taste, with some gothic accents, such as the windows near the belltower. Through the centuries, the building has undergone many facelifts and restorations, especially in the baroque and neoclassic periods. With the Edict of Giuseppe II in 1784 and the annulment of the Jesuit order, San Sivestro was closed along with twelve other Trieste churches and put up for auction. It passed into the hands of the Valdese community in 1927 and still belongs to them. The building was built from sandstone blocks, and is in a rectangular shape without apses. The interior is divided into two rows with three columns and the presbytery is covered by a vaulted transept. There are still some traces of the frescoes that used to decorate the naves.

Review © 2007, Wcities
St. Sylvester's Basilica photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Villa Revoltella Park


A lovely park on the outskirts
Via De Marchesetti, 37
Trieste 34142
Italy
A lovely park on the city's outskirts where you can take a walk and at the same time admire the lovely villa that belonged in the 19th century to Baron Pasquale Revoltella, a patron of art and culture. Like an alpine chalet and with its two floors, it was in this lovely building, which can no longer be visited, that the Baron spents his days relaxing. In the garden between a lovely fountain and a basket ball pitch popular among young people, you can also find the stables and Revoltella's private chapel, dedicated to the holy Spaniard Pasquale Baylon and where the remains of the Baron still lay. Inside the church, there are several neo-gothic style features to be admired.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Villa Revoltella Park photo by Cristina (Pile ou face)
Photo: Cristina (Pile ou face)
Villa Revoltella Park photo by Cristina (Pile ou face)
Photo: Cristina (Pile ou face)
Villa Revoltella Park photo by Luisa da Trieste
Photo: Luisa da Trieste
Villa Revoltella Park photo by michele pasqualetto
Photo: michele pasqualetto
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Trieste"
Trieste - Historical Background
Trieste - Neighborhood Guide
Trieste - Where to Stay
Trieste - Dining & Drinking
Trieste - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Venice (126 miles)
Verona (219 miles)
Bologna (231 miles)
Salzburg (247 miles)
Florence (313 miles)
Munich (327 miles)
Vienna (330 miles)
Milan (360 miles)
Genoa (406 miles)
Rome (426 miles)

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