Situated on the Adriatic Sea in Northern Italy and right on the Slovenian border, Trieste is a coastal town enriched with culture and history. The city is home to a bustling seaport, tax-free shopping, historical sites, beautiful architecture, and notably Illy, one of the leading Italian espresso companies. The city’s location at the head of the Gulf of Trieste also makes it a popular stop for cruise ships. Visitors come from around the world to be enchanted by Trieste, a truly European city. Read further to learn more about what this cultural hotspot has to offer!
A city of Latin and Slavic tastes
In modern times, Trieste has been part of Austria-Hungary, Italy, and the Yugoslav Republic, changing hands after each World War. At one point after World War II, American forces occupied the city as a free territory, after Italy and Yugoslavia both expressed explicit interest in retaining the port for their own use.
As a result of these contentious conflicts and changing of hands, one might say Trieste transcends official country borders. Instead, Slavic and Latin culture are both represented in Trieste’s architecture, art, and food. Viennese-style buildings are sandwiched between clay-roofed houses typical of Italian cities, and one can find Mediterranean culinary offerings, such as fresh pasta and seafood, as well as Central European favorites like schnitzel and strudel.
Wanderers, rejoice: this city is made for exploring
Wandering around Trieste with no agenda is an easy feat, as there are plenty of ways to twist and turn your way through the city. Start at in the Austrian quarter at the Piazza Unita d’Italia, where you’ll see beautiful examples of baroque and neoclassical buildings built during the time of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Walk to the canal and make your way along the seafront before heading up the hills into the old town, where you’ll find beautiful examples of medieval buildings, small boutiques, and hidden restaurants.
History buffs will find a bevy of sites after a moderate hike up to San Giusto Hill, where Roman ruins intermingle with war memorials and the San Giusto Cathedral. In the 6th century the Romans built the first religious temple, the remainders of which can still be seen today. Just beyond the ruins is the San Giusto Castle, which started out as a Roman Fortress but was reinforced in the 15th century by the Hapsburgs. The castle is open to visitors to explore the rooms and walls for a small entrance fee, only 4/6 EUR (~4.30 USD) (reduced/adult). If you’re traveling on the cheap, skip the ramparts and spend more time in the cathedral and the Park of Remembrance, which is dedicated to World War I. There are also somber memorials to those lost during the territorial conflicts after WWII. While the San Giusto area is great to see during the day, it also offers an incredible view of the city and bay at night.
Enjoy sipping an espresso as Joyce and Freud once did
Due to the presence of Illy, Trieste is also considered the coffee capital of Italy. Visitors find this apparent as they encounter cafes on most streets throughout the city. Viennese style-cafes, with their tables spilling out onto the sidewalk, are in abundance, recalling the days when prominent cultural icons including James Joyce and Sigmund Freud spent their afternoons on patios in the city. As you select a place to enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up, remember this pro tip: Italians order their espresso at the bar - if you sit down on the patio for a cup, you might get overcharged! For a special treat, head to Chocolat, and enjoy your espresso or caffe latte with a sweet treat (small chocolate pastries are under 1 EUR/~1.10 USD) or indulge in their housemade gelato (1 EUR/~1.10 USD per scoop).
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One of Europe’s finest cities
For those traveling in Italy looking for a different vibe, look no further than Trieste. Its colorful historical background has resulted in an even more colorful city. Visit Trieste, and enjoy one of the finest cities Europe has to offer.
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