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The capital of the region but also an important port, famous for its coffee culture, art and Austrian past.

Piazza Unità Italia

La Borsa

Trieste, destination of cruises

Piazza Unità Italia
EXPLORE TRIESTE: WHAT SHOULD YOU CERTAINLY VISIT IN TRIESTE?
LITTLE VIENNA BY THE SEA
Trieste is known as the 'little Vienna by the Sea'. You can see this in the architecture, influenced by the Viennese Neoclassical style that was so popular in the 19th century. Not surprising since Trieste was under Habsburg Empire rule for centuries.
Trieste began to play a really important role when the nearby Venice lost more and more of its power in the 18th century and the Habsburg Emperor Charles VI, decided to take profit of this situation, founding the Free Port of Trieste.
IMPORTANT PORT AND CHURCHES
Trieste soon appropriated itself with the title of the main port of the Austrian Empire. It was the second largest port in Southern Europe (after Marseille) and grew in 200 years from a fishing town of 7.000 inhabitants into a major international port with 200.000 inhabitants. People came from many different countries to settle here. They obtained religious freedom and the result is that Trieste has many different churches representing various religions, including a synagogue, a Serbian Orthodox Church and Greek Orthodox Church.
COFFEE, LITERATURE, 'GRAND CAFÉS' AND EATALY
Trieste is not only rich in churches but also in elegant Grand Cafés where you can enjoy a true Italian coffee in many ways. Coffee is actually the most important import product and it is not a coincidence that the world-famous coffee brand 'illy' has its roots here.
In addition Trieste is known as the literature city where famous writers such as James Joyce once lived. They loved using the Grand Cafès to philosophize and discuss their latest book while drinking their coffee.
Do you want to do some shopping and enjoy the delicious Italian food and wines? Visit the famous restaurant chain 'Eataly'. It's not only a great Italian restaurant but also a kind of supermarket that sells all kinds of Italian Deli like wines, olive oils ecc. It's located along the Seaside 'Riva' in an old storage warehouse which has been transformed into a modern restaurant. While eating you have a beautiful view of the bay.
ROMAN RUINS
However, Trieste is not only famous for its Hapsburg past, writers and coffee culture. The origins of Trieste date back to at least 100 b.C, when the Romans founded a small trading establishment on the hilltop which they called Tergeste what 'market town' means. You can still find sites and ruins from this period such as the Roman Theatre, the Forum and the Roman arch 'Arco Riccardo'.
On top of the "Saint Giusto" hill, named after the city's patron, you will find the magnificent medieval castle and cathedral.
A CITY WALK IN TRIESTE
Altogether Trieste is a city with many faces, one moment you walk along the Roman ruins and the next moment you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful palaces and elegant buildings from the 19th century. "The largest square of Europe by the sea", Piazza Unità d'Italia, is a perfect starting point for your visit of this versatile port town.
If you want to book me for a tour of Trieste or the nearby Miramare and Duino castle do not hesitate to contact me.
GUIDED TOUR OF TRIESTE
Click on the button to see what the guided tour of Trieste includes and costs.
The highlights of Trieste:
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Piazza Unità d'Italia
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Canal Grande
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Churches for all kind of religions
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The hill San Giusto with on top the Cathedral, the castle and Roman Forum
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The Roman Arch 'Arco Riccardo'
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The Grand Cafés
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The literary route
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The art museum Revoltella
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The international Italian restaurant chain "Eataly"
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The concentration camp "Risiera di San Sabba"
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The old part of the city 'città vecchia'
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Roman theater
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The Jewish ghetto
Good to combine with one of the following sights
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The nature reserve Val Rosandra
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The giant cave 'Grotta Gigante' in Sgonico
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Castello Miramare
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Castello di Duino
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A walk over the trail 'sentiero di Rilke' starting in Duino or Sistiana
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The pebble beach of Sistiana
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Portopiccolo in Sistiana
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The old harbor town Muggia
![]() Muggia |
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![]() Muggia |
![]() Castello di Duino |
![]() Sentiero Rilke |
![]() Sentiero Rilke |
![]() Porto Piccolo in Sistiana |
![]() Beach in Sistiana |
![]() Castello Miramare |
![]() The Giant Cave in Sgonico |
![]() The Nature reserve of Val Rosandra |
![]() The nature reserve of Val Rosandra |
Event:
Every second Sunday of October the Barcolana takes place. This is a historic international sailing competition where small and large sailing boats take part. In 2018, the record was achieved with more than two thousand participants! The trail is 28 km. long and starts not far from the Castle of Miramare, ending at the port of Trieste.

TRIESTE, YOUR CRUISE DESTINATION
Trieste is a port city to start or end a cruise. Should you go on a cruise from here, or Trieste is one of the destinations on your cruise itinerary, grab the opportunity to visit this beautiful city with a private walking tour. The cruise ships dock and depart right across the magnificent main square Piazza Unità Italia. This means you are only a stone's throw away from the bustling heart of the city and don't have to worry about catching a cap or booking a shuttle bus. I can pick you up at the ship or we can meet in Piazza Unità Italia.
Click on the button for more information.
