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Setting out by car from Trieste, bear left behind the Piazza dell'Unità and keep going for several kilometres until you get to the stadium and the new Palace of Sports. Then head for Muggia - a pretty little town on the Slovenian border. There is not much to see near the sports ground, but definitely not to be missed is the nearby Risiera di San Sabba - the only Nazi concentration camp to have been built in Italy. Visiting the cells here, walking around the grounds and viewing the exhibited photos of the atrocities which were committed is a highly moving experience and one which will remain with you for a long time.

Muggia itself is a beautiful seaside town. It has its own distinct history, which differs from that of Trieste. This is mainly due to a vow of loyalty which it made to Venice in the thirteenth century. The old town centre contains a beautiful harbour set in the midst of old, narrow streets which are full of character. This area has been recently renovated and is dominated by a magnificent fourteenth century castle. A few kilometres away from the town centre stands the Romanesque basilica of Santa Maria Assunta; from the square in front, you can take in a magnificent panoramic view.

Muggia is also home to an enormous tourist complex - Porto San Rocco - which contains hotels, sports grounds, restaurants, boat moorings and other tourist attractions. It was built on the sight of a ship-yard where world-renowned ship builders once plied their trade.

The town is also famous for its carnevale, which is a tribute to ancient folk traditions and rituals. For decades, hundreds of enthusiastic townspeople have been involved in the construction of large, allegorical floats and in the design and creation of stupendous costumes.

As you return from Muggia, you will pass the old, slightly gloomy but elegant Aquilina and the Via Flavia. Turn right in the direction of Bagnoli and follow the signs for Val Rosandra. You will pass the (Rifugio Premuda (eighty metres above sea level) and enter into perhaps the most beautiful corner of the Carso, an extraordinary valley full of paths, at the end of which is one of the few pedestrianised border areas which remain. This area, which is a natural paradise and a haven for climbers, is also home to the remains of an ancient Roman aqueduct.

At this point, you will re-enter Trieste and follow the coastline in the opposite direction. Pass the train station (on your left) and keep going for a few kilometres until you reach the splendid Miramare Castle. Stop off in one of the two excellent ice cream parlours on the right hand side of the road and enjoy a cone while strolling down the seafront at Barcola. Miramare Castle is the splendid but ill-fortuned residence of Maximillian of Hapsburg who was murdered by the Emperor of Mexico while in South America. Visiting the castle and surrounding parkland is a must for any visitor to the city.

In the summer, you will be able to enjoy the Luci e Suoni, (light and sound) festival which takes place on a stage constructed on the seafront. This is an interesting mix of technology and tradition; for years it has put on successful performances charting the history and of the castle and its successive inhabitants in various languages.

Leave Miramare and head in the direction of Venice following the coastal road (the principle means of entry into the city) which winds past the gulf and the backbone of the Carso and from which you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view (on a clear day, you can even see the Istrian coast). N.B.: the speed limits here are extremely low, so make sure you stick to them. This is because the road is full of hairpin bends and therefore very dangerous. The area is also constantly patrolled by the police.

Along the coastal road, you will come across the villages of Duino Aurisina, Sistiana and finally Villaggio del Pescatore (fishermen's village). Duino Aurisina and Sistiana (both popular tourist attractions) are linked by the sentiero Rilke, a seaside path (named after the German Romantic poet) covered in overhanging rocks which runs for two kilometres. Villaggio del Pescatore on the other hand, is a small modern village which is home to numerous sports grounds. It is also where crocodile and dinosaur remains were disovered several years ago, which meant that it received several mentions in both the local and national papers.

At this point, all that remains is a visit to the Carso. Even if you have already been to Val Rosandra, you should not leave Trieste without visiting the rest of the upland plains. The Carso offers a beautiful, unique landscape, characterised by white, limestone rock. There is no other area quite like it in Europe. The flora here is exceptionally rich, despite the fact that there is very little water here. It is all filtered underground into large deep cavities known as foibe. The territory is sprinkled with low-lying areas, woods, clearings, moors and canyons as well as eroded rock faces.

On a thirty-kilometre strip running along the upland plains, you will find a hundred and twenty restaurants, several farms, eighty guest houses, and numerous farm shops which sell produce and wines. You will also come across the imposing Faro della Vittoria, the Monte Grisa santuario, the extraordinary Grotta Gigante and the Casa Carsica - an ancient rural dwelling which has been transformed into a museum. It is here that the local Slovenian-speaking minoirty bi-annually organises nozze carse (or a typical Carso wedding) when a young local couple is permitted to marry in accordance with ancient local customs and traditions.

Finally, set a little time aside to visit the Foiba di Basovizza. This is the site where thousands of Italians were incarcerated in the gigantic underground cavities of the Carso during the Second World War. Their crime was having spoken out against Marshall Tito's Communist regime. If the Risiera di San Sabba is the site of criminal atrocities committed by the Nazis, then the site of the foibe of Trieste (from which even today, unidentified human remains are still retrieved) is testimony to the terrifying and cruel attrocities committed by the Communists in Italy.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Barcola


Trieste
Italy
Barcola is only a short walk away from Trieste and is home to the Castello di Miramare which was the magnificent residence of Maximillian of Hapsburg--a symbolic figure in the history of Trieste.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Barcola photo by Yasin Memari
Photo: Yasin Memari
Barcola photo by Yasin Memari
Photo: Yasin Memari
Barcola photo by AnnAbulf
Photo: AnnAbulf
Barcola photo by Piero Raffin
Photo: Piero Raffin
Barcola photo by Giuliano Dreossi
Photo: Giuliano Dreossi
Barcola photo by Gaurav Narain
Photo: Gaurav Narain
Barcola photo by Chiara Germani
Photo: Chiara Germani
Barcola photo by autistico
Photo: autistico
Barcola photo by elisa
Photo: elisa
Barcola photo by Alessia R.
Photo: Alessia R.
Barcola photo by DarkHorse41
Photo: DarkHorse41
Barcola photo by Bobotm
Photo: Bobotm
Barcola photo by silvia_c77
Photo: silvia_c77
Barcola photo by Guidakis
Photo: Guidakis
Barcola photo by Francesco Tomicich
Photo: Francesco Tomicich
Barcola photo by vincenzo fontana
Photo: vincenzo fontana
Barcola photo by lorenzo.ts
Photo: lorenzo.ts
Barcola photo by Marco Sinibaldi
Photo: Marco Sinibaldi
Barcola photo by Valeria Buset
Photo: Valeria Buset
Barcola photo by Caterina Trisoglio
Photo: Caterina Trisoglio
Barcola photo by Martin Ivarsson, SWE
Photo: Martin Ivarsson, SWE
 

 
Basovizza's Quarry


A monument to those killed by Slav communists
Basovizza
San Lorenzo
Trieste, Trieste
Italy
If you take the road for the small town of San Lorenzo out of the city up on the Kras Plateau, on the right you will see the doline of Basovizza. This is a spruce lignite quarry from last century which became a national monument after WW2 to the thousands of Italian soldiers and civilians killed by Communist Slav troops under Marshal Tito. These troops were thrown into Kras holes similar to this one. The depth was originally 300 meters but during the 1950s it was reduced to about 135 after the accumulation of war materials and, mostly, corpses. After the conflict, numerous attempts were made to recover the remains of the bodies across the whole of the plateau, often with success, but at Basovizza, unfortunately, there were too many and so it was decided to make the doline their tomb. A bronze epigraph on the monument says, "Honor and Christian piety be to those who fell. Their sacrifice is a constant reminder to the living of the ways of justice and love that lead to true peace". Over the years, Presidents of Italy and other politicians have knelt in front of this epigraph, the symbol of the Communist ferocity.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Carnevale Muggesano


A mini Rio de Janeiro
Varie sedi della citta
Via Roma 20 (Office)
Trieste, Trieste 34015
Italy
+39 40 33 0616
http://www.carnevaldemuja.com/
This is a popular carnival with ancient roots; the Muggia carnival dates back to 1420 - the year in which it was decided to start a society for carnival entertainment. Today, this carnival is still considered one of the most important in Italy, second only to Venice and Viareggio. With masked balls, processions, extraordinary costumes, dance shows and music in the piazzas, the carnival attracts thousands of people from all over the region to this small, eastern, edge of Italy which is transformed into a small, Rio de Janeiro on the sea. In the last 50 years, there have been 94 companies, 320 band complexes and more than 70,000 costumes. Despite a serious lack of funds, this is still an enchanting, lovely event. See the website for further details.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Della Vittoria Lighthouse


The most powerful lighthouse in Europe
Strada del Friuli, 141
Trieste, Trieste
Italy
+39 40 41 0461
Reopened after years of restoration work, the Victory Lighthouse is certainly worth the 200 or so steps to arrive at the top. There is a magnificent view of the whole of the gulf of Trieste, the city and part of the karstic coast. Built from white stone on a wide base, the lighthouse was constructed during the 1920s on the design of a famous local architect, Arduino Berlam, and is dedicated to all the sailors that were lost during World War I. Above the column, the capital supports the top designed to resemble the mast of a ship in which the light itself is fitted. The light container is covered with a bronze dome and decorated with a scale design. On the tip of the dome stands the embossed copper statue of Victory designed by sculptor Giovanni Mayer and produced by Giovanni Srebot. Mayer was also responsible for the statue of the sailor attached to the anchor of the torpedo boat Audace, the first Italian ship to enter the port of Trieste in 1918, so signaling the return of the city to Italy. This lighthouse is thought to have the greatest range in Europe. Today its function is much reduced but it remains one of the symbols of Venezia Giulia.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Della Vittoria Lighthouse photo by Massimiliano Leban
Photo: Massimiliano Leban
Della Vittoria Lighthouse photo by Massimiliano Leban
Photo: Massimiliano Leban
Della Vittoria Lighthouse photo by Maurizio Decolle
Photo: Maurizio Decolle
Della Vittoria Lighthouse photo by Charis
Photo: Charis
Della Vittoria Lighthouse photo by Massimiliano M.
Photo: Massimiliano M.
Della Vittoria Lighthouse photo by Giulio Novel
Photo: Giulio Novel
Della Vittoria Lighthouse photo by orcapeppa
Photo: orcapeppa
 

 
Grotta Gigante


Natural cave in the Guinness book of records as the largest touristic cave in the world!
Borgo Grotta Gigante 42/a
Trieste 34100
Italy
+39 40 32 7312
This enormous cave, first opened to the public in 1908, is large enough to contain the entire basilica of Saint Peter. Because of its special characteristics and constant temperature of 12°C, it is the site of scientific experiments of world interest. The oldest speleological society in Europe runs the caves and organizes guided tours all year round. A series of routes, some of which have only been opened recently, allow visitors to admire the cave (illuminated by spotlights) from different angles. You can also visit the small museum of archeological and paleontological materials from the area.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Grotta Gigante photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
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
 

 
Muggia


Trieste
Italy
This is a small town (one of six) which lies around ten kilometres from the centre of Trieste. It is a seaside town with a strong fishing tradition, and was the last fortification before the state border. It has recently been completely restructured and contains features which are reminiscent of the istroveneto period. Take a walk through its narrow streets, past the fishing boats, which are anchored in its beautiful port. The shops are small and relatively modest, but life here is still extremely pleasant. To get here by sea, you need simply set sail in the opposite direction of Venice. Frenetic building work is now taking place where the glorious shipyards of San Rocco once stood. A giant tourist complex is being built; this will comprise of hundreds of moorings for boats, hotels, sports centres, restaurants and apartments.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Muggia photo by paolodeck
Photo: paolodeck
Muggia photo by Iacopo Sassarini
Photo: Iacopo Sassarini
Muggia photo by paolodeck
Photo: paolodeck
Muggia photo by Bhalchnadra Pujari
Photo: Bhalchnadra Pujari
Muggia photo by francesca
Photo: francesca
Muggia photo by comexe
Photo: comexe
Muggia photo by Alberto
Photo: Alberto
Muggia photo by Francesco Apa
Photo: Francesco Apa
Muggia photo by Roberto Lucchese
Photo: Roberto Lucchese
Muggia photo by cacciaramarri
Photo: cacciaramarri
Muggia photo by Sergio Gardoni
Photo: Sergio Gardoni
Muggia photo by Kari Jo Skogquist
Photo: Kari Jo Skogquist
Muggia photo by macybel999
Photo: macybel999
 

 
Muggia


Beautiful village near the border
Via Battisti
Trieste, Trieste
Italy
This is a beautiful town by the sea of Venetian origin. In the 18th Century it had a vote of loyalty with Venice and its historic center has many, typically Venetian, architectural and structural features such as the narrow, twisting alleyways. In 1998 the historic center of the town was completely renovated and pedestrianized. The old Mandracchio is a must see, a small port surrounded by pastel colored houses where boats of old fisherman can be found. There is also the cathedral, with an unmistakable Gothic facade, dedicated to the saints Giovanni and Paolo. Encircled by medieval walls, Muggia is dominated by a fourteenth century castle, which has been restored many times and is now abandoned. Only a tower and traces of two doors still remain of the old, defensive structure. In the main square is the beautiful Loggia Municipale, with the 15th-century San Marco lion. Muggia is also famous for its carnival, with popular, ancient traditions, and for its enchanting basilica of roman origin, that everyone knows as the church of Muggia, and that overlooks the town from a hill near the Slovenian border. A small motorway links Trieste and Muggia, and for more information, contact the tourist office.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Muggia photo by Dawn Montague
Photo: Dawn Montague
Muggia photo by Sanja Perinic
Photo: Sanja Perinic
 

 
Rifugio Premuda


Typical Alpine refuge at 80 metres above sea level
Bagnoli della Rosandra
Trieste, Trieste 34018
Italy
+39 40 22 8147
This refuge is located at the entrance to Val Rosandra, in one of the most unusual and evocative corners of the Carso Triestino, on the left-hand bank of the stream. The local environment is very particular to this area - the vegetation, the rocky walls, and the caves evoke an alpine landscape, but it is only 80 metres above sea level. The Premuda is the lowest Italian mountain refuge. It was opened by the Società Alpina delle Giulie in 1940, and is the base for the "Emilio Comici" National Alpinism School, as well as being and ideal base for excursions into the valley. It is only 20-30 minutes outside the city (to get there just go towards Muggia and then follow the signs to Val Rosandra), but it is immersed in a sort of natural paradise.

The Premuda is a stone building with a large garden and a very big car park. It is like a typical Alpine refuge. It is very busy during the Summer when its full of cavers, climbers, naturalists, and families on holiday. It doesn't have any beds. It is also easy to reach by bus, the nearest stop is just a few hundred metres away in the village of Bagnoli. Obviously the food and drink available is nothing out of the ordinary. As in all refuges you eat simple, but tasty food. The food is mostly made up of sliced ham and cheese, but there are also a few hot dishes such as pasta, soups, and gnocchi. It is the ideal place to start your excursion from, and is in a beautiful location. The refuge is shut during the month of February.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
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
 

 
Risiera di San Sabba Civic Museum


The worst horrors of the second world war
Via Ratto della Pileria, 43
Trieste 34148
Italy
+39 40 82 6202
This building became the site of the only extermination camp in Italy with the German occupation in 1943. It has been a national monument since 1965. 3,000 to 5,000 people lost their lives here. At the end of the war the building was partially destroyed by fleeing Nazis, trying to eliminate proof of the horrors they committed. Restored in 1975, this is a frightening place to visit; the death cells are open to visit as well as 17 detention cells, and a historic, photographic exhibition. Do not miss out on a visit. Admission: Free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Risiera di San Sabba Civic Museum photo by *Blunight72*
Photo: *Blunight72*
Risiera di San Sabba Civic Museum photo by holly_in_transito
Photo: holly_in_transito
Risiera di San Sabba Civic Museum photo by Simone Lippolis
Photo: Simone Lippolis
Risiera di San Sabba Civic Museum photo by Emiliano Dominici
Photo: Emiliano Dominici
Risiera di San Sabba Civic Museum photo by holly_in_transito
Photo: holly_in_transito
Risiera di San Sabba Civic Museum photo by Rossella
Photo: Rossella
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Trieste - By Car"
Trieste - Top Attractions
Trieste - Top Events
Trieste - Top Hotels
Trieste - Top Restaurants
Trieste - Top Nightlife
Trieste - Introduction

Other nearby cities:
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Munich (327 miles)
Vienna (330 miles)
Milan (360 miles)
Genoa (406 miles)
Rome (426 miles)

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