Due to its location and history, Trieste is a unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and ancient Roman styles. This is what makes this beautiful Adriatic city truly unique!
Trieste is a port city in Northern Italy, situated between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia. For several centuries, it was part of the Habsburg Empire, and until 1918, it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, serving as the empire’s most important shipping and naval port. At the beginning of the 20th century, the city was the fourth-largest in the Empire (after Vienna, Budapest, and Prague).
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Trieste attractions
Piazza Unità d’Italia
This large square facing the sea is one of Europe’s largest seafront main squares.
Its original name was Piazza Grande, but after the 1918 Italian unification, it was renamed Piazza Unità d’Italia, or „Square of Italian Unity” expressing Trieste’s new role as part of the Italian state.
The square is bordered by impressive historical buildings on three sides, while the fourth side opens to the sea. Its central building is the City Hall (Palazzo del Municipio), designed by Giuseppe Bruni and featuring a clock tower on its facade. The Palazzo Stratti houses the famous Caffè degli Specchi, one of Trieste’s most renowned and oldest cafes.
One of the square’s ornaments is the Fontana dei Quattro Continenti, an 18th-century fountain symbolizing the four known continents at the time (Europe, Asia, Africa, and America).
Canal Grande
The artificial canal is one of Trieste’s most romantic and popular attractions.
It was created in the mid-18th century when Trieste was part of the Habsburg Empire. The canal was intended as the city center’s inner harbor, where ships could arrive directly at the quays and easily unload their goods.
The canal banks are lined with elegant palaces and famous buildings reflecting the classical and baroque styles of the 18th and 19th centuries. Several bridges span the canal. The most famous is the Ponte Rosso (Red Bridge), offering beautiful views of the canal and the Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo church rising in the background. Next to the bridge stands a statue of James Joyce, commemorating the Irish writer’s connection to Trieste.
Piazza della Borsa
Located next to Piazza Unità d’Italia, this square was Trieste’s main square until the 19th century and remains one of the city’s most vibrant centers today.
It takes its name from the Borsa Vecchia (Old Stock Exchange) building, which was once home to the Trieste stock exchange and remains one of the square’s main attractions. Its facade is adorned with six monumental columns, topped by three statues referring to the city’s commercial significance.
In the center of the square stands an imposing Neptune statue, symbolizing the connection between the sea and the city.
Trieste Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Giusto Martire)
The city’s most important religious building rises on San Giusto hill, offering breathtaking views of Trieste and the Adriatic Sea.
The cathedral uniquely emerged from the merger of two earlier churches in the 14th century. The building is Romanesque-Gothic in style, with thick stone walls and a simple, robust structure. The facade is decorated with a large rose window, created by Venetian masters in the 14th century. The cathedral’s bell tower was partly built from the remains of an ancient Roman building and remains one of the city’s symbols today.
The cathedral is dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Saint Justus (San Giusto) the martyr. The church houses San Giusto’s reliquary, which contains the patron saint’s remains.
San Giusto Castle (Castello di San Giusto)
This massive fortress, which played a key role in Trieste’s defense, is located on San Giusto hill overlooking the city.
Construction of the fortress was begun by the Habsburgs in the 15th century when Trieste came under Austrian Empire rule. The fortress was intended to strengthen the city’s defenses, particularly against attacks from the Venetian Republic and other rival powers. Construction took place in several phases and reached its final form in the 17th century.
It has an irregular pentagonal shape with thick stone walls and strong bastions that withstood enemy attacks for centuries. Above the main entrance is a relief of the Habsburg double-headed eagle.
Today it functions as a museum and offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.
All information can be found here!
Roman Theater (Teatro Romano di Trieste)
One of Trieste’s most significant ancient monuments is located at the foot of San Giusto hill.
Built in the early 1st century AD during Emperor Trajan’s reign, when Trieste (then known as Tergeste) was an important port city of the Roman Empire. The theater could accommodate several thousand spectators. Behind the stage once stood an ornate columned facade, which unfortunately has not been fully preserved.
Although not completely reconstructed, the stone seats and foundation walls clearly show the original structure. The theater is an open area, visible from the street, and occasionally serves as a venue for cultural events, concerts, and theatrical performances.
Forum (Foro Romano)
It was the city’s former center from political, religious, and commercial perspectives.
Established in the 1st century BC, the forum hosted city council meetings, official celebrations, commercial activities, and public debates. Numerous Roman temples, basilicas, and administrative buildings stood here. Some sources indicate there was also a Temple of Jupiter, built to honor the Roman gods.
Although much of the forum was destroyed or incorporated into the medieval and modern city structure over the centuries, marble columns and column bases, carved stones, and stone fragments are still visible today.
War Memorial (Monumento ai Caduti di Trieste)
This imposing monument commemorates Trieste’s victims of World War I.
During World War I, Trieste was a key strategic city that belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy until 1918, when it was annexed to Italy following the arrival of Italian troops. The monument recalls the tragic events of this period and Trieste’s war victims.
The monument, consisting of bronze and stone sculptures, was created by Attilio Selva, a renowned Italian sculptor. At its center stands a powerful human figure symbolizing struggle, sacrifice, and heroism.
Kleine Berlin
This underground bunker and tunnel system was built during World War II and can be visited through guided tours.
The bunker network was built by the German army (Wehrmacht) after they occupied Trieste in 1943 following Italy’s capitulation. The name refers to how the city functioned as a „little Berlin” under German occupation, where the Nazi army established its own defense and logistics centers.
The tunnel system is divided into two main parts: a civil bunker built for the population, and the military section that served as a command center and shelter for the German army. The underground complex consists of extensive corridors, halls, and protected rooms where original furnishings, wall writings, and war memorabilia can still be seen.
All information can be found here!
Revoltella Museum
One of Trieste’s most significant art museums, famous for its modern and contemporary art collections.
The museum was founded in the 19th century by Pasquale Revoltella, a wealthy Trieste merchant and art collector. After his death, he bequeathed his luxurious palace and rich art collection to the city. The institution originally showcased his private collection and residence but has significantly expanded over the years.
The museum consists of three buildings. Palazzo Revoltella is the original 19th-century palace that served as the home of the museum’s founder, Revoltella. Palazzo Brunner houses the museum’s modern and contemporary art collection. Palazzo Basevi functions as an exhibition space and research center.
The museum primarily focuses on 19th and 20th-century art but also presents contemporary works. The collection includes works by Italian and international artists, particularly from the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and Italy. Among the most important works are paintings by Giovanni Fattori, Giuseppe Tominz, and Franz von Lenbach.
All information can be found here!
Sartorio Museum (Civico Museo Sartorio)
One of Trieste’s less known but valuable art and historical museums.
The museum was created by Antonio Sartorio, a wealthy local industrialist, art collector, and patron who supported the city’s culture. The building is an imposing 19th-century palace that combines Italian and Austrian architectural traditions. Its interior spaces reflect the style of the contemporary aristocracy.
The collection features paintings and sculptures by Italian and international artists, with particular attention to 18th and 19th-century artistic movements. Works by artists from Trieste or connected to the city are particularly prominent. The antique furniture and decorative elements showcase the development of local industry and the life of local aristocracy.
All information can be found here!
Oriental Art Museum (Civico Museo d’Arte Orientale)
One of Trieste’s most interesting cultural institutions provides insight into the world of oriental arts.
Ferdinando Borsari, an art collector who donated the collection to the city, played a major role in founding the museum. One of its most important characteristics is its extensive collection of Asian art from various countries and cultures.
Chinese painting, calligraphy, porcelain, bronze sculptures, as well as the terracotta army and other Chinese sculpture memorials have a prominent place. Japanese culture is also a significant part of the collection, featuring various ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), kimonos, samurai armor, as well as Japanese sculptures and ceremonial objects. Additionally, Islamic world art and artistic treasures from other Asian countries such as Tibet and Nepal are also featured.
All information can be found here!