Unadvisedly many people neglect the Italian city of Trieste, which is located on the narrow strip of the land between Adriatic sea and the Alps. But it’s very beautiful city, may be not so Italian as neighboring Venice or Verona but definitely with own charm and singularity.
Trieste is a one of the oldest cities in a Europe. Greek colonists founded it over the place of the Illyrian settlement. Its name Trieste derived from the ancient Tergeste, which in turn was given to the city be the Julius Cesar.
In the Middle Ages, after a long war with Venice, people of Trieste asked Austrian Emperor about protection. The request has been accepted and this determined the later fate of the city. Trieste become the main port of Austrian Empire and main connection point of Austria with the rest of the world.
That is why Trieste looks rather like Austrian than Italian city. Modern planning with wide streets city got in the 18-19 centuries when Trieste has been used as base for the military fleet of Austrian Empire.
To be more correct Trieste looks like a big pot where the different cultures were mixed within the centuries.
What differs Triste from the rest of Italian cities – is a space. For example, you will not face here with parking problems. From the other hand, Trieste is a not big city. At least historical center of the city can be explored in few hours if you limited in time.
But better explore city without hustle paying your attention to the wonderful facades which is often adorned by some figures or murals.
I can’t say that in Trieste there are a lot of well-known monuments. But almost every building in the city is beautiful. Even “Coin” store in the city looks like beautiful palace. Or what about of ordinary arch adorned by the head of Roman legionary? Such building you can find almost everywhere in the city.
Btw, a few worlds about of Romans. They left a few vestiges in the oldest part of the Trieste. The Triumph Arch and the Roman Theater which is located on the top of hill which dominates the harbor. May be the remnants of the Roman Theater in Trieste are not as impressive as in Rome but they are very picturesque. And to reach them you will pass through medieval quarters of Trieste with small houses adorned by the vivid flowers.
Another attraction in Trieste is a Miramare castle, which is located north to the city center. This castle is summer residence of Hapsburgs. It was built at the end of the 19 century, preserved its interiors and has a nice English park. But I think I would be better to spend separate day in Miramare.
If you like military architecture, try to find Austrian fortress which is located at the top of the one of the Trieste hills. It originates from the 18 century and has classical for those times star-shapes. Near the castle there is a nice green park where you can have a rest after a walk on the Triest streets.
