Trieste, Italy
Located in the northeastern corner of Italy, with its stunning architecture and picturesque waterfront, Trieste is a hidden gem that often gets overlooked by tourists.
Tucked away in the northeastern part of the country, this charming city offers a unique blend of Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian influences and rich history.
Its strategic location on the Adriatic Sea has made it a major port city throughout history, with a rich and diverse cultural heritage.
The city’s main square, Piazza Unità d’Italia, is a perfect representation of its cultural fusion, with grandiose neoclassical buildings that were once the headquarters of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, alongside elegant Italian cafes and restaurants.
Trieste is also known for its literary and artistic contributions, with famous writers and poets such as James Joyce and Italo Svevo, calling the city their home.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Trieste is the Miramare Castle, a stunning 19th-century palace perched on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
This castle was once the residence of Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg and is now open to the public for tours.
Another must-see attraction is the Grotta Gigante, one of the largest and most impressive underground caves in the world, with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
The Central cavern is an impressive 107 meters high, 130 meters long and 65 meters wide.
It will take you 500 steps to go down the cave and another 500 steps to come out of it.
Stalactites and stalagmites, inside the cave, are of exceptional beauty.
These formations have been shaped over the time by water dripping from the heights up to 80 meters, depositing calcium carbonate across a wide area.
Trieste is a city that truly has something for everyone. Its rich history, diverse cultural influences, and stunning natural surroundings makes it a must-visit destination for travellers.
