Trieste is all too frequently dismissed by visitors in favour of larger and more high profile Italian destinations; however, the city has much to offer with features such as its wonderful coastal scenery and cultural and architectural heritage among its strongest draw cards. Proximity to the Adriatic coast makes it an ideal location from which to appreciate the treasures of the many small historic towns and the beauty of the Dolomite mountain regions.
Trieste is a small city, that much cannot be denied; however, it has a good selection of attractions on hand with the majority leaning towards historical and cultural themes. On a list of must-see sites and landmarks the Arco di Riccardo, Miramare Castle, Roman amphitheatre and the San Giusto Cathedral and Castle will all undoubtedly sit high up.
The city’s cultural side extends into its entertainment scene with a number of venues offering ballet, opera and traditional theater. A number of annual festivals reinforce the city’s dedication to culture also and include the Carnevale Muggesano, the International Festival of Light Opera and the Carnevale Estivo.
Highlights
Castello di Miramare: built by Archduke Maximilian in the late 1850s, this castle features lavish interior décor with an emphasis on gilt and velvet.
Museo di Storia e Arte: the city’s finest collection of archaeological artifacts can be found here and includes ancient Greek and Roman pieces as well as some prehistoric items.
Castello di San Giusto: built between 1470 and 1630, this giant fortress is home to an open-air theater which hosts an annual summer film-and-concert festival.
Cattedrale di San Giusto: sat atop a hill, this cathedral features 5th century Romanesque basilicas and an interesting 14th century campanile.
Grotto Gigante: this giant cave can claim to be the world’s largest underground cavern that is open for public viewing.