Trieste is a port city located in the northeastern part of Italy. It is also the capital of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Trieste charms with its climate, culture, architecture and delicious cuisine. It is said to be the least Italian city. This is because you won't find crowded beaches and crowds flocking to the most popular attractions. It is a charming city that will be perfect for those who appreciate peace and quiet, walks, unusual views and, above all, lovers of local food. This is not typical Italian cuisine, as Italian flavors are mixed here with Slovenian ones. While in town, take a trip to the San Giusto Hill, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Trieste is also the place where writer James Joyce lived and worked. There is a monument to him near the Canal Grande. The city is associated with the writer's words, which read: "La mia anima è a Trieste" and freely translated means that his soul will always remain in Trieste. The city is home to numerous scientific and research centers, for example, the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and the General Secretariat of the Central European Initiative, hence Trieste is called the "city of science."
Attractions - what to see in Trieste?
Port of Trieste
The port was founded in 1719. Importantly, it is the largest and most important port on the Adriatic Sea of international importance. It's a place frequented by tourists for its extraordinary views and the nearby Audace Pier, a walkway that is about 246 meters long. It is an ideal place for walks, especially in the evening, when the area takes on a unique atmosphere. It is worth going to nearby restaurants and admiring the unique seaside panorama. For lovers of sports and activities, sailing schools for children and adults are especially recommended in the area.
Grotta Gigante Cave
It is undoubtedly a huge attraction in Trieste and one of the most visited places by tourists. In 1995 it was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest tourist cave in the world, but lost that title after fifteen years. It was discovered by Antonio Federico Lindner in 1840. It consists of the following zones: Great Cave, In the Middle of the Earth, Altar Room, Panoramic Terraces and Climbing Path. The admission price per person is €13, a discounted ticket costs €10 (applies to students under 26, as well as seniors over 65). A visit to the cave can be booked online here: https://www.grottagigante.it/
Miramare Castle
Miramare Castle is one of the most beautiful castles located in the Trieste area. It was built between 1856 and 1860 on the orders of Ferdinand Maximilian. In addition to the castle, the area includes a park of 22 hectares with tropical plants and a fountain and sculptures. There is a legend associated with the castle. If any man in an important position (politician, military commander or member of the royal family) spends even one night in the castle, a tragic death awaits him. An example is the very originator of the castle's construction, Ferdinand Maximilian, who was shot dead in Mexico. Another of those who tragically died is Franz Ferdinand. His assassination is considered the direct cause of the outbreak of World War I.
What else to see while in Trieste?
One of the more popular attractions in this city is the Faro della Vittoria lighthouse. It is located on the Poggio di Gretta hill and is 68 meters high. It is one of the tallest lighthouses in the world. The largest and main square in the city is Piazza Unita d'Italia. It features numerous palaces and public buildings. It is a popular place for strolls among tourists, especially in the evenings when the lighting gives the area an unusual atmosphere. The square is also home to the Fontana dei Quattro Continenti. For lovers of nature and physical activity, a trip to the Rosandra Valley would be ideal. There you can find trails leading to ruins and viewpoints. The largest Catholic church in Trieste is Sant'Antonio Taumaturgo.
Beaches
Trieste is a city where you won't find crowded and wide beaches. However, there is a place that attracts both locals and tourists who want to swim in the sea and take advantage of the beautiful weather. This is because the name of the beach has been given to the city's maritime district called Barcola. It is a concrete promenade about 3 kilometers long. You can spread a towel or blanket on it, and if you want to swim, use the ladders that facilitate the descent into the sea. During the summer season, this place is very besieged and popular, especially among young people. However, it may not be a suitable rest area for families with children.
How to get to Trieste?
The most popular way to get to Trieste is to use your own car. Tourists often visit this city on their way to other countries, such as Croatia. The route from Poland to Trieste is about 1,000 kilometers. On the way you can visit Ostrava, Brno, Vienna and Graz. When traveling by car, be sure to pay tolls for highways, vignettes and parking lots. There is one airport in Trieste that does not operate direct flights from Poland. The closest airport for such flights is Venice-Treviso, about 150 kilometers from the center of Trieste.
Public transportation
In Trieste, public transportation is well developed. There are numerous bus stops near the station. Line 8 can take you to Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, and line 6 to the Miramare Castle area. The ticket can be purchased at kiosks or special vending machines, and costs €1.35 (valid for 60 minutes) . There is also a train station in Trieste, which has connections to Venice, for example.
Weather
The warmest months in the city of Trieste are June, July and August. Then the average daytime temperature is over 20°C. The number of hours of sunshine during this period is between 11 and 12. The months with the lowest temperatures are December, January and February. The highest rainfall is recorded in October and November. The best months to visit Trieste, sightsee and enjoy the beautiful weather are from May to September. This is because the average daytime temperature then is over 15°C.
Cuisine - what to eat while in Trieste?
The local cuisine is a mix of both Italian and Slovenian flavors. One thing is certain. The dishes that can be found on the menu are no different in quality from other regions of Italy. Local products and the simplicity of the ingredients make the local cuisine extremely popular with tourists. In Trieste you will find typically Italian dishes, such as pizza or pasta. You can also find different flavors on the menu, for example, goulash. It is worth mentioning a certain "custom" in this region. It's called osmizza, and it involves making private homes available to sell local products, such as wine, cheese, or cured meats. These are marked with special signposts. As throughout Italy, coffee is extremely popular. It is said that coffee consumption in Trieste is twice as high as in other Italian cities. It is here that the factory of the most popular coffee called Illy is located. Local dishes such as la calandraca, or fish stew, or fritti calamari e sardini (fried calamari with sardines) are also worth sampling.
Accommodation
In the city of Trieste we can find a large selection of accommodations. Prices depend on the location and guest amenities. The first establishment worth mentioning is the B&B Hotel Trieste, located opposite the train station, close to the city center and the port. The price for a two-night stay for two people is PLN 227, and with breakfast it is PLN 250. Another noteworthy property is Addicted to Paradise. It is located about 800 meters from Piazza Unità d'Italia. The rooms have private bathrooms, WiFi and a TV. The price for an overnight stay for two people including breakfast is 351 zloty per night. Also worth mentioning is the DoubleTree By Hilton Trieste Hotel. This is a place that will certainly appeal to even the most demanding. It offers a wellness area, sauna, private parking and a bar. The property is located near attractions such as Piazza Unita d'Italia, Trieste Roman Theatre and Kleine Berlin.
