Trieste's setting is particularly
beautiful with the combination of the shining whiteness of its rocks, the blue
sea and the green hills that surround it. Approaching the town along its
wonderful coast road, it appears perfectly inserted in the surrounding
territory, irrespective of the boundaries separating it from Istria, the
formerly Italian territory that now belongs to Slovenia. Its ancient history
can still be seen from the Roman ruins on Capitol Hill, the San Giusto Castle
and the Roman theatre. The dark ruins of the first Castellieri stand
like guards on the hills, as if it was still there for its defense. Memories
and images of the past live on in the streets, from the little alleys that wind
through the ancient suburbs with their old houses and ruined walls to the wide
central streets that cross the new part of the town with its elegant
neo-classical buildings.
This
contrast gives rise to that particular atmosphere that so endeared Trieste to
Umberto Saba, its favourite son, Scipio Slataper, Italo Svevo, James Joyce and
many other illustrious poets - an atmosphere that is deeply felt by locals and
visitors alike. The most precious gem that surrounds it is Miramare Castle,
conjuring up the memory of an unfortunate love-story. Enshrined in the coastal
rocks, it gives visitors the chance to admire the most enchanting sunsets.
Throughout its history, Trieste has been a
crossroads of different peoples and religions, and its churches still reveal
its cosmopolitan heritage. The city is surrounded by the sea and the
characteristic karstic highland. These calcareous rocks host an extremely
varied flora, including the red sumac and innumerable other flowers of rare
beauty. In the tiny Carsiana valley, a botanic garden created near
Sgonico, microclimates allow one to admire the multifarious aspects of the
flora. There are the perfumes of Mediterranean herbs growing alongside yellow
ginestra brooms, burning bushes, windflowers, patentillas and Alpine ferns
hidden in the moist winding ravines. Paths marked by the tracks of rock-deer
and badgers lead to flowery glades, caves and lairs inhabited by rosy oims - an
ancient, almost extinct species of blind amphibian. Along the stony path from
Opicina to Monrupino there is a natural basin that contains the little lake of
Percedol where white waterlilies and aquatic salamanders float silently on its
water.
So
visitors may walk along shady paths, rocky gorges, impervious caves, or wide,
windswept clearings that offer a landscape of unusual beauty. In the typical,
orderly villages scattered around the area, tourists can stop and refresh
themselves under the shade of arbors and old trees in country trattorias
offering the local wines and dishes of a gastronomic tradition that reflects
Trieste's role as a crossroads of different European cultures.
Trieste is an enchanting, hospitable town which
offers the chance of a holiday with a difference: the town, the sea and the
upland plain convey a particular emotion in the visitor, who will want to
return to consolidate a warm friendship.
Tours Around Trieste
AQUILEIA
The
small and quiet but well known village of Aquileia lies in the plain of Friuli
not far from the lagoon of Grado. It is surrounded by the greenery of the
countryside which is reflected in the clear waters of the river Natissa. On its
western bank, in 2nd century AD, the Romans built the town-fortress that became
one of the most famous towns of the Empire, not only for its military, prowess
and its economic wealth, but also for its cultural and spiritual magnificence
The archaeological remains easily found every
where, bear witness of its illustrious past. The Roman forum was the lively
centre of city life with its offices, temples, shops, porches and monuments.
In the heart of the town the medieval BASILICA,
with its severe Romanesque - Gothic lines, rises stately and solemnly. It is
dwarfed by the imposing steeple which looks like the sentinel of a precious
casket, in which the oldest and most illustrious memoirs of the Christian
religion are preserved.
Borgo
Grotta Gigante
The
Grotta Gigante (Giant Cave) is less than ten miles from Trieste, near
a village of the same name. Its more than 100 meters high, 65 meters wide and
280 meters long make it the largest cave in the world. It could easily contain St.
Peter's Cathedral. It is rich in calcareous concretions. It opens to
the public throughout the year. The nearby Museum of Speleology is also worth a
visit.
Village and Sanctuary
of Monrupino
The
village of Monrupino was built 149 meters above sea level on the area of a Castelliero
occupied by the Romans. The Castellieri are the remains of villages
dating back to the Bronze Age. They were built on hills and surrounded by sound
loose-laid walls. Some remains of the walls can still be seen nowadays in this
area.
A fortress (Tabor)
was later erected in the same place in the XIV century. It was used as a
shelter during the Turkish invasions. In 1512, a shrine was built on the site
of a previous sacred building. The compound towers over the surrounding hills,
offering to the visitor a splendid panoramic view of the Carso.
Duino Castle
Two
castles were built in Duino in one of the most beautiful spots on the gulf. The
older castle, of which there are still some remains on a rocky spur, was built
in the XI century and was the first residence of the Duinati - feudal
vassals of the Patriarch of Aquileia. It was probably the last member of the
family, Ugone VI , who ordered the New Castle to be built. In the courtyard
there is an older tower, probably dating back to Roman times. The Torriani
family turned the fortress into a princely residence, which later became the
property of the Prince of Hohenlohe and is now owned by His Highness the Prince
of Torre e Tasso. Parts of it are used as the seat of the United World College
of the Adriatic. Many famous people have stayed in the castle, allegedly
including Dante Alighieri. Rainer Maria Rilke composed the Duino Elegies
during one of his stays and his name was given to the beautiful footpath
extending from the Castle to the bay of Sistiana. Walking along one of the most
fascinating parts of the Trieste coastline, the visitor finds himself in a
unique natural habitat. The landscape is full of shady woods and sunny maquis.
Some of the last remaining examples of the Peregrine Falcon build their nests
in the steep cliffs rising above the sea.
Sistiana Bay
Sistiana
bay is a well-known tourist resort with hotels, restaurants, bathing
establishments and a shipping line connecting it with Trieste.
Sanctuary of Monte Grisa
The
sanctuary is situated on top of the hill that towers above the sea in an area
once occupied by two Castellieri. The original idea for the sanctuary
came from Bishop Monsignor Antonio Santin and, after receiving public support,
construction was begun in September 1959. This innovative, daring building made
of triangular reinforced concrete modules arranged in a very precise
composition was designed by A. Guacci. The building was inaugurated in 1967 and
dedicated to Mary Mother of God.
Faro
della Vittoria
This
70 metre high, white Orsera stone lighthouse stands out on the hill of Gretta.
Its beam extends for 36 miles, a distance exceeded only by the lighthouses of
New York and Santo Domingo. Designed by A. Beriam, it was built in one of the
town's former defensive positions and was inaugurated in 1,927. The sculpture
was made by G. Mayer. The anchor situated on the side facing the sea belonged
to the Audace, the torpedo-boat destroyer from which the first Italian
soldiers landed in 1918.