Hello friends. During our trip to Italy, we had the chance to visit the city of Trieste and I’d like to share a bit about it. Trieste is one of the least Italian cities in Italy, as it was heavily influenced by Austria in the past. It was once one of the largest ports of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and you can still feel the significant influences of Balkan countries here.
We stayed in a lovely spot right in the heart of the historic center. Despite being on what seemed like a quiet street, there were a few cafes nearby and the nightlife lasted until dawn. Still the atmosphere was delightful and the location was truly excellent. In the evening we had the chance to dine at a restaurant called Hostaria Malcanton, which was amazing. I highly recommend it. The ambiance was cozy and I hadn’t had such a delicious grilled platter in ages.
Our hotel room was stylish and comfortable. While there were a few minor issues, we were generally satisfied, especially considering the very reasonable price. One of the biggest advantages was the hotel’s proximity to Piazza Unità d’Italia (Unity of Italy Square), just a few steps away. This square is stunning, particularly in the evenings, with its impressive views. It’s one of the rare squares that opens directly to the Adriatic Sea.
The square is named after the unification of Italy because, as a unified state Italy doesn’t have a very long history. Trieste was one of the last cities to join Italy, possibly even the last one. After World War II if I’m not mistaken, until 1947 the Yugoslav army occupied the city, declaring it an independent state called the Free Territory of Trieste. However, this remained official only on paper and the city continued to be a de facto part of Italy.
We also visited an area known as the old Jewish ghetto. It has a quiet yet slightly bohemian atmosphere, with many small shops, fresh fruit markets and restaurants lining the streets. It was a delightful experience.
While strolling along the coast, we stumbled upon a place that felt like a haven of gastronomy and design. It was a modern pavilion integrated into what appeared to be a historic building, with a sleek design featuring gold details. Inside, there were plenty of delicious food options and cafes. It was a fusion of a supermarket and a food court and the view was simply stunning.
Trieste is also considered Italy’s coffee capital, as it’s home to excellent coffee. While great coffee is a staple throughout Italy, Trieste is the birthplace of the world-famous Italian coffee brand Illy. Moreover, the nearby Prosecco region is renowned for producing some of Italy's finest sparkling wines, making Trieste a true gastronomic paradise.
The city is also known as a hub for yachting. You’ll see many yachts and even small regattas. The sea is crystal clear and locals often swim directly from the marina. We saw Italians doing this and thought, Why not?
While walking, we passed by Unity Square, Giuseppe Verdi Theater and an Orthodox Church. These churches reflect the Orthodox influence of the Balkan countries. Trieste is home to several Orthodox churches, highlighting the multicultural history of the region.
Later we arrived at a place often compared to the Grand Canal in Venice but known as the Not-Venice Grand Canal. It seems that Trieste has a bit of a rivalry with Venice. Historically, the Venetians tried to capture the city several times. Around the canal there was a small market where we learned about the origins of the name Trieste. It is said to come from an ancient trade hub and the city still keeps these traditions alive, though modern touches dominate its overall atmosphere.
Here one feels close to Austria or Germany. Even the influence of Bavaria can be felt, which leads to the celebration of Oktoberfest in Trieste. This is not a typical feature for Italian cities. At the end of the Grand Canal a very interesting spot awaits us. Here, just a few meters apart, the Catholic Church of Saint Anthony and the Orthodox Church of Saint Spyridon stand side by side. This is a reflection of Trieste's tolerance and an indication of the city's multicultural history.
In this region many cultures and religious beliefs have come together. According to a local belief to find happiness, you need to place your hand on the walls of Saint Spyridon Church and happiness will come to you. And one of Trieste’s other famous figures is the Irish writer James Joyce. The author of the famous modernist work Ulysses was drawn to this cosmopolitan city and lived here. Indeed Trieste is a meeting point for many cultures and communities. The Jewish community, the Slavic community and many other groups coexisted here. This diversity is reflected in the city’s architecture and atmosphere.
One of the cultural contributions to Trieste’s history is a theater built by the Romans. The city’s architecture is quite eclectic. Neoclassical, Renaissance, Jugendstil and many other styles coexist. The next day we visited Slovenia, which lies on the city’s border, making for a new discovery.
We climbed up to San Giusto Castle, located above the city. Here you can also find San Giusto Cathedral and statues of heroes who participated in the Italian independence struggle. From the castle you can see the city from every angle. You can walk up here or, for the lazy ones like me, there is also an elevator. To take the elevator, you first need to go to the parking lot, pass through a corridor and then take the elevator up.
Underneath San Giusto Castle, there is an underground area with a museum where stone artifacts from ancient Trieste are displayed. Historical pieces like stone carvings, mosaics and sculptures are beautifully exhibited here. The lighting and arrangement of the exhibition area are quite impressive.
Trieste left a deep impression on us. The city’s scenery, cultural diversity and architecture are truly beautiful. However, visiting in winter is not highly recommended, as the bora wind blowing from the mountains can be quite cold and harsh. The best time to visit would be in the spring or summer.
For dinner we went to a restaurant near Trieste called Ristorante Scabar. It is run by a sibling duo. Some dishes were good, such as the red seabass tartare and vegetable garnishes. However, some dishes were disappointing, especially the spaghetti with sea urchins, which was overloaded with pepper, overshadowing the flavor of the seafood. Overall the restaurant’s ambiance and presentation of the dishes were not very impressive. Therefore I wouldn't particularly recommend it, though it could be considered for lunch if you're in the area.
We ended the evening at Piazza Unità d’Italia. The square looked truly stunning at night with its lighting, although some tents slightly spoiled the view. Since Uber is not available in Italy, I recommend downloading the itTaxi app to call a taxi. It’s definitely worth having.
