Trieste - a cosmopolitan city of monuments

A city located in the north-eastern part of Italy on the Adriatic Sea. It is the capital of the autonomous region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Trieste lighthouse Phare de la Victoire and cityscape panoramic aerial view, Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy

History

Trieste has been the subject of disputes between various countries for years due to its key access to the sea. During the Industrial Revolution, Trieste was one of the most important ports in Europe, under the rule of the Austrian Empire.

Cultural heritage

Trieste is known for its rich cultural, architectural and literary mosaic. It was the place of activity of many outstanding writers, such as James Joyce, Italo Svevo and Umberto Saba. The city combines Italian, Austrian, Slovenian and Jewish influences, which is visible in its architecture, cuisine and culture.

Monuments of Trieste

 

Miramare Castle (Castello di Miramare)

Miramare Castle, located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, was built between 1856 and 1860 for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife, Princess Charlotte of Belgium. The castle is surrounded by a vast park of 22 hectares, full of exotic plants. The interior of the castle has preserved the original furniture and decorations, which allows visitors to travel back in time to the 19th century.

Cathedral of San Giusto (Cattedrale di San Giusto)

The Cathedral of San Giusto, the main church of Trieste, is located on San Giusto Hill. The temple was created by combining two ancient churches in the 13th century. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with beautiful Byzantine mosaics and Romanesque frescoes. Next to the cathedral there are the ruins of an ancient Roman forum and a museum with archaeological exhibits.

Roman Theater (Teatro Romano)

This ancient theater, dating from the 1st century AD, is located in the center of Trieste. It was only discovered in the 20th century and is now one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in northern Italy. It accommodated approximately 6,000 spectators and was a venue for various performances and shows.

Castle of San Giusto (Castello Di San Giusto)

The Castle of San Giusto, built on the hill of the same name, is one of the most important monuments of Trieste. Its construction began in the 15th century on the orders of Emperor Maximilian I Habsburg. The castle offers a wonderful view of the city and port. Inside there is a museum with a collection of weapons and historical exhibitions.

Piazza Unità D’Italia

One of the largest squares in Europe, located on the seafront. The square is surrounded by impressive buildings such as the Palazzo del Municipio (town hall), Palazzo del Lloyd Triestino and Palazzo del Governo. Piazza Unità d’Italia is the heart of the city and the site of numerous cultural events and festivals.

Grand Canal (Canal Grande)

The Grand Canal, built in the 18th century, runs through the city center. It is one of the most charming places in Trieste, surrounded by cafés, restaurants and historic buildings. Along the canal there are important buildings such as the Church of Sant’Antonio Nuovo and the Orthodox Church of San Spiridione.

Synagogue in Trieste (Sinagoga di Trieste)

The Trieste synagogue, one of the largest in Europe, was built in 1912. It is an important testimony to the presence and influence of the Jewish community in the city. The interior of the synagogue impresses with its rich decorations and unique architecture.

Monument dedicated to Maria Theresa of Habsburg

The statue of Maria Theresa of Habsburg is located in Piazza della Borsa. The monument shows Maria Theresa in all her glory, in period costume, with insignia of power. Maria Theresa is remembered as the ruler who began the flourishing of Trest. During her reign, the city gained the status of a free port, which attracted merchants and investors from Europe.

pomnik-marii-teresy-2

Trieste – why is it the capital?

Trieste was chosen as the capital of Friuli Venezia Giulia by the authorities of the region and Italy to attract as many passenger and cargo ships as possible, which had to pay a toll when stopping here. The authorities of Trieste wanted to accept as many ships as possible to collect as many fees as possible. Trieste developed the most during the times of Maria Theresa Habsburg, when the city received the most money from taxes, which enabled its expansion and the creation of the Borsa stock exchange.