Trieste

Trieste is a very special Italian city. Here you can feel the breath of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Balkan flavor and maritime romance. This is a city of majestic palaces, literary cafes and, of course, coffee (this is where the main coffee imports into Italy come from!). Here are the main attractions you need to see: 🏛 1. Unity of Italy Square (Piazza Unità d'Italia) The heart of the city and its main pride. This is the largest square in Europe, which on one side goes directly into the sea! It is surrounded on three sides by majestic palaces, and on the fourth by the endless Adriatic. An ideal place for an evening walk. ⛪ 2. Grand Canal (Canal Grande) and the Church of St. Spyridon Trieste “Venice’s answer.” In the center of the city there is a shipping canal that cuts into the land. At the very end of the canal, as a backdrop, stands the incredibly colorful Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Spyridon with its five blue domes. Inside it is even more beautiful - painted by Russian and Italian masters. 🏰 3. Castle Miramar (Castello di Miramare) Located 8 km from the center (can be reached by bus). A snow-white castle standing on the very edge of the sea among a lush park. It was built by Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg for his wife Charlotte. The place is incredibly beautiful, but with a tragic history (Maximilian later became Emperor of Mexico and was shot). 🌊 4. Molo Audace and Victory Lighthouse Be sure to take a walk along the long stone pier of Audace, which goes straight to the Old Port. And if you want the best panoramic views, walk along the embankment to the huge Victory Lighthouse (Faro della Vittoria). It stands on a hill and looks very powerful. ☕ 5. Historic coffee houses Trieste is the literary capital. James Joyce, Sigmund Freud, Italo Zvevo lived and worked here. Try legendary cafes such as Caffè San Marco or Caffè degli Specchi. The atmosphere of the early 20th century has been preserved there: mahogany, velvet and the smell of fresh baked goods. 🕯 6. Risiera di San Sabba An important but difficult place. This is a former factory that the Nazis turned into the only death camp with a crematorium in Italy. Now there is a national memorial there. The place is very strong and leaves a deep impression. 💡 Tips for tourists in Trieste: Order capo in b: Local coffee specialty. This is a small glass of hot milk with a “drop” of espresso. Very tasty and not as strong as regular coffee. Try the local cuisine: Due to its proximity to Slovenia and Croatia, as well as its Austrian past, people eat more than just pasta here. Be sure to try Sardoni in saor (sardines in onion-vinegar marinade with raisins) or Jota soup (sauerkraut, beans and meat). Beware of Bora: This is the local furious north wind. It can blow at speeds of up to 150 km/h! If the forecast calls for Bors, stay away from open seas and keep a tight grip on your hats. Trieste is not as "postcard" as Venice or Rimini, but it is incredibly stylish, elegant and leaves a very deep aftertaste! 🚢☕