7 Essential Sights to See in Trieste, Italy

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Italy certainly isn’t a place where you’re going to run out of places to visit. Even with just a basic knowledge of the country you could probably count off places to visit on both hands. The eastern city of Trieste likely isn’t on that list though. It definitely lacks the kind of recognition you’d find with Florence, Milan or even somewhere like Orvieto. And yet, you surely won’t be disappointed with the various sights to see in Trieste.

Wedged right by the Slovenian border across the end of the Adriatic Sea from Venice, it’s not really in a prime location for many Italy trips. Not that it’s hard to get to by any stretch, just that it works best as a stop in certain situations. Very much a port city, there are still a nice selection of things to do in Trieste. Whether you explore its ancient roots, the city’s love for coffee or its Austrian architecture, it’s an easy city to admire. Plus, there are plenty more sights to see than what I’m sharing here. Even with just one day in Trieste, you’ll be glad you got to see this markedly different Italian city.

Piazza Unità d’Italia

A great place to start your visit to Trieste is with the city’s easily found main square, the Piazza Unità d’Italia. This is a massive main square bordered on three sides by grand buildings that act as reminders for when the city was part of the Austrian Empire. The last side of the square faces out to the Adriatic Sea, because of which it’s said to be Europe’s largest seaside square.

Taking pride of place on the square is the Trieste City Hall, seen above. Either side you’ll find various palaces, some of which house government bodies now. The square also has a number of monuments in it, most noteworthy of which is the Fontana dei Quattro Continenti. What’s interesting is that the architecture here has more in common with places like Austria than anything obviously Italian. You won’t confuse Trieste with Florence or Bologna that’s for sure.

Chiesa Parrocchiale Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo

A little further to the east in Trieste you come to a really pretty part of the city centre. Centred on the Piazza Sant’Antonio Nuovo, you’ve got plenty to look at here, from several churches to the city’s Grand Canal. While some will enjoy the sights of the Grand Canal and its Ponte Rosso, for me the Chiesa Parrocchiale Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo is hard to miss.

Even though it was only built in the 19th century, the neoclassical design of this church really helps it stand out. Wander away from this spot and you’ll get to explore some of the city’s most beautiful streets. Having visited the Croatian city of Rijeka after Trieste, I realise now just how much in common Trieste has with the Istrian peninsula.

Despite being long under the rule of the Austrian Empire, the population of Trieste was mostly being Italian and Slovenian. So for it to have similarities to other parts of former Yugoslavia is no surprise. I’d argue that it’s really that mix of influences that gives Trieste its flavour.

Molo Audace Waterfront

Being a port city, you better believe that Trieste has a waterfront. Thankfully, the actual port is a little out of the city centre, meaning that there are some really nice places to walk by the water. Great long stone promenades and piers dominate the area opposite the Piazza Unità d’Italia and city centre, making it a beautiful place to sit or stroll.

In particular, there’s the Molo Audace, a long stone pier that stretches out into the water. Here you might catch a fisherman or two as you walk out and it’s worth taking a good look back at Trieste from this vantage point.

Forense Roman Basilica

It may be a small attraction, but you likely know I’m a sucker for some Roman ruins. Located in a square below the Castello di San Giusto, sits an open air park lined with stone and the remains of the Forense Roman Basilica. These ruins, now just several rows of partial columns, was once where a Civil Basilica and Forum once stood. The site was only uncovered in the 1920-30s and partly rebuilt to its current state.

Castello di San Giusto

When it comes to Trieste landmarks, the Castello di San Giusto is hard to miss. I mean, it’s literally on a hill visible throughout the city. Even though its history is frankly uneventful, who can pass the chance to visit a castle? Built by the Austrians to protect the city from the Venetians, it never saw any real action.

But that’s good I guess, because it means that this 15th century castle has survived well intact. A few euros will let you inside, where you’ll find some museum exhibits, but more importantly city views. The castle walls are where the best views of Trieste are at.

Roman Theatre of Trieste

Certainly, the most impressive of the Roman ruins in Trieste is the city’s Roman Theatre. Not far from the centre of the city, this ancient site is easily viewed from the road as you walk up to it. Surrounded by residential buildings, it feels like the city has sprung up around it in some ways.

Built in the 1st Century AD, the theatre is surprisingly intact give its advanced age. It clearly says something about just how many Roman ruins there are throughout Italy that a theatre like this goes completely unknown.

Miramare Castle

Honestly, a visit to Trieste just wouldn’t be complete without seeing the magnificent Miramare Castle. It’s simply the most impressive and memorable landmark of Trieste and yet it’s not even in the city. This is the attraction that most people come to see in Trieste. The waterfront palace-of-sorts lies 8km up the coast from Trieste, but you’ll want to make the journey.

Built for the Habsburgs in the 19th century, its location was a favourite harbour of the Archduke. You can take tours inside of its grand imperial interior if you like. As grand as the castle and its little harbour are though, the biggest element to Miramare is the sprawling formal gardens that fill the park around it. Well worth a wander, especially if you’re into exotic flowers or need a coffee at the secret garden cafe.

To reach Miramare Castle from Trieste, you have your pick of train, bus or walk. Honestly, the bus is the best way to go with the Line 6 running several times an hour from the bus station. I wouldn’t discount the walk though, as you get to walk some pretty coastal areas along the way, even if it does takes around 1.5 hours.

Visiting Trieste

Thanks to its location, you shouldn’t have many troubles reaching Trieste no matter the direction. Trains from Venice, only 2 hours away, leave extremely frequently so that trip couldn’t be easier. As for getting over to Slovenia, there are a couple of buses a day, with more outside of winter. With Trieste very close to Piran, you shouldn’t have trouble including it as a stop as you venture from Venice over to Slovenia or vice versa.

While you could conceivably drop into Trieste for a few hours before moving on, I’d suggest taking your time. Spending a night or two will allow you to see things at your own pace. It’ll also make reaching Miramare Castle by public transport more viable. Despite having less name recognition, Trieste has a great selection of places to stay, so if you book in advance you shouldn’t have any problems.

Have you heard of or visited the city of Trieste before? Which of these sights in Trieste Italy would you start with? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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