Trieste lies at the edge of north-east Italy and is sandwiched between Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea. It is a unique city and a Mediterranean resort, and it retains its former grandeur in its imposing buildings with Neo-classical facades. During the 19th century this port city was the most important port of one of the Great Powers of Europe – the Habsburg Monarchy, and subsequently the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Today it belongs to Italy and is a prosperous port at the top of the Adriatic sea. Interestingly, it experiences different climate zones depending on the distance from the sea and the elevation. It is a lively city with a long, turbulent history.
A Little Bit Of History
The Romans arrived and established a colony in this area in 177 BC, and Tergeste, as the colony was called, prospered commercially and architecturally.
The city of Trieste, Italy
With the decline of the Roman Empire during the 5th century AD, the city became a Byzantine military camp.
It was frequently attacked by the Barbarians, Longobards and the Franks. During the Middle Ages it became an important port and in 1382 it was linked to the Habsburg Empire.
Trieste grew into a trading city and developed into a busy port during the 17th and 18th centuries, and merchants from all over Europe got settled in the city.
During the Napoleonic Wars it was occupied by the French and after the wars Trieste was returned to Austria. It was made the capital of Austrian ‘Kustenland’.
Piazza Unità d’Italia, Trieste
At the end of World War I it became part of Italy, then it came under Mussolini in 1943, then it became independent city state under UN until 1954 when it was returned to Italy… where it belongs finally today.
The port city’s calendar of events is busy throughout the year with musical concerts, cultural and traditional festivals, sports events and fairs.
Trieste’s main Film Festival is the highlight among all the events. Barcolana is a spectacular boat race in which boats of all shapes and sizes take part.
Canal Grande, Trieste
This city is a popular shopping destination if you are interested in antiques, leather goods, books and clothing. There are several department stores and traditional markets.
Where is Trieste?
- 100.6 miles/ 162 km from Venice, Italy
- 261.5 miles/ 421 km from Milan, Italy
- 270.2 miles/ 435 km from Split, Croatia
- 415.6 miles/ 669 km from Rome, Italy
- 57.7 miles/ 93 km from Ljubljana, Slovenia
- 338 miles/ 544 km from Genoa, Italy
- 246 miles/ 396 km from Florence, Italy
- 25.4 miles/ 41 km from Trieste-Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport, Italy
- 94.4 miles/ 152 km from Venice Marco Polo Airport, Venice, Italy
- 279.6 miles/ 450 km from Milan-Malpensa Airport, Italy
- 250.4 miles/ 403 km from Milan Linate Airport, Italy
- 227.4 miles/ 366 km from Milan Bergamo Airport, Italy
Things to See
- The Basilica di San Silvestro
- Piazza della Cathedral
- Roman Amphitheatre
- Canal Grande
- Aquarium
- Arco di Riccardo
- Piazza dell’Unita d’Italia
Beaches
- Lanterna
- Stabilimento di Miramare
- Sistiana
Excursions
- Tempio Mariano
- Castello di Miramare
- Victory Lighthouse
- Muggia
- Lignano
- Aquileia
Trieste has a specific mix of Austrian and Italian culture and architecture. You can enjoy a combination of the sea/beach holiday and at the same time the visit cultural attractions of the city.
It is an ideal destination for a break from your busy life.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
