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The capital and  important port city, famous for its coffee culture, art and Austrian past. 
WHAT TO 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 decided to take profit of this situation, founding the Free Port of Trieste.

 

IMPORTANT MULTICULTURAL PORT CITY

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 220.000 inhabitants. People came from many different countries to settle here. They obtained religious freedom and the result is that Trieste has a big variety of churches representing various religions, including a synagogue, a Serbian Orthodox Church and Greek Orthodox Church.

Trieste dall'alto.webp
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 philosophise and discuss their latest book while drinking their coffee. 

The city is build around the Saint Giusto hill, the oldest part of the city. The hill is named after the city's patron, on top of it you will find the magnificent medieval castle and the 14th century cathedral rich of colorful mosaics on the inside. 

The highlights of Trieste:
  • Piazza Unità d'Italia
  • Canal Grande
  • The Greek and Serbian Orthodox churches 
  • The Saint Giusto hill with on top the Cathedral, the castle and  Roman Forum
  • The Roman Arch 'Arco Riccardo'
  • The Roman Theater
  • The old jewish ghetto
  • The Grand Cafés
  • The literary route
  • The Art Museum Revoltella
  • The Italian food chain "Eataly"
  • The concentration camp "Risiera di San Sabba"
  • The old part of the city 'città vecchia' 
  • The Verdi Theater
Good to combine with one of the following sights
Cattedrale di San Giusto.jpeg
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 monuments and ruins from this period such as the Roman Theatre, the Forum and the Roman arch 'Arco Riccardo'.

Yearly Event:

The Barcolana 


Every second Sunday of October the Barcolana takes place. This is a historic international sailing regatta where small and large sailing boats take part.

In 2018, the record was achieved with more than 2.000 participants! The trail is 28 km. long and starts in Barcola, not far from the Castle of Miramare, ending at the port of Trieste. 
guided walking tour Trieste

ITALIAN SPECIALITIES IN EATALY

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'.  While eating you have a beautiful view over the bay.

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 fancy palaces and elegant buildings from the 19th century. Piazza Unità d'Italia -"the biggest and most beautiful square of Europe facing the sea", is a perfect starting point for your visit of this fascinating city.

BOOK A GUIDED TOUR IN TRIESTE

 

A visit to Friuli Venezia Giulia is not complete without a visit to Trieste!

Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to book a guided tour. I will be happy to show you around and tell you much more about Trieste. Clicking on the purple button more details appear of what you will see during the guided tour and the rates. 

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.

guided walking tour trieste during cruise
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