Trieste, a port city in northeastern Italy, is a hidden gem with a rich cultural history (Image: Getty)
A stunning city that offers a blend of diverse traditions, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture is as pretty as but without the . Situated on the Adriatic Sea near the border with Slovenia, Trieste is a hidden gem with a rich cultural history and a unique location at the crossroads of Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian influences.
Distancing less than two hours from Venice, this city shares some aspects with the Italian lagoon, including being home to a major canal. However, this charming city welcomes just a fraction of the tourists that travel to Venice.
Trieste was an important of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until its dissolution in 1918, which shaped its architecture, cuisine, and cultural landscape. It later became part of Italy after World War I.
The city’s location and history have created a melting pot of Italian, Slavic, and Germanic cultures. This diversity is evident in its language, cuisine, and festivals.
It is home to Piazza Unità d’Italia that is the largest seafront square in . This stunning plaza is lined with grand buildings and offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
One can visit the Miramare Castle that overlooks the sea. A 19th-century castle built by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria is surrounded by lush gardens and offering a glimpse into imperial history.
Trieste with charming streets and canals (Image: Getty)
Trieste also has a range of museums, including the Revoltella Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of the Risiera di San Sabba, a former Nazi concentration camp.
Praising the city, one social media user wrote on : “I’ve seen Rome, I’ve seen Venice, and while I can say loads of absolutely amazing things about Rome, I shan’t. If you’ll wan’t to hear about Rome the majority of posts can tell you detailed and beautiful things.
“Instead, let me draw your attention to Trieste. Oh boy, this is gem! It’s located on the east side of Italy bordering Slovenia on one side and the sea at the other. Here you’ll find Grotta Gigante, an amazing cave which you might seen in guinness records, it’s huge and what makes this different from other caves is the lack of small corridors and rooms, this is one gigantic room so stunningly beautiful that my vocabulary won’t do it justice.
“Also, it’s worth mentioning it’s 11 degrees celsius, so quite a nice change from the 32 celsius outside. A short bus ride from the caves you can see an almost 100 year old lighthouse, ‘the victory lighthouse’ it is still in function and one of tallest lighthouses in the world and it is absolutly stunninglly inside and out.
“Theres free entry to the top too! Above the dome there’s a majestic statue that reminded me of the one you’ll see in the series Game of Thrones. For me, this was as grand an experience as visiting the Colosseum, Sixtine Chapel and Saint Peter’s in Rome.”
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Piazza Unità d’Italia by the sea (Image: Getty)
Trieste’s cuisine reflects its diverse influences, blending Italian, Slovenian, and Austro-Hungarian flavours. Popular dishes include jota (a bean and sauerkraut soup), seafood, and pastries like putizza.
The city is renowned for its coffee culture, being the home of Illy coffee. It has a long history as a coffee-trading hub, and its cafes are a must-visit.
Many travellers have also shared their experiences on TripAdvisor travel forum.
A traveller wrote: “Trieste is like no other city in Italy. The beautifully French inspired buildings and with everything looking white and gold its like something out of a fairy story. The large square on the harbour is a good place to start and work back to.
“Start by walking to the left of the square when facing the square from the sea, there are beautiful shops and lovely coffee shops and restaurants.
“Go back to where you started and work your way to the right. Not as many shops but beautiful buildings and again the coffee shops. The night life is amazing with wonderful restaurants and the walk by the harbour is a perfect end to a night out. Its a long walk so be prepared and there are plenty of things to photograph – thank goodness for digital cameras!
“There are plenty of boats in the marinas and the very picturesque harbour is beautiful.”
A direct flight from London to Trieste on January 10 comes around to be £40.