Trieste
Windy City
General Information
Other Name: -, District: NA, State: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
Area: 84 km²
Languages Spoken: Italian, Triestine.
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: Trieste is an important port .
Best Time to Visit: May to October and -
International Access: -Description
Trieste is a city and port in northeastern Italy very near to the Slovenian border, to the North, East and South. It was among the most prosperous Mediterranean seaports as well as a capital of literature and music.Location
-Climate
Mild Mediterranean climate
The city''s oldest basilica stands atop Trieste''s landmark hill, the Colle Capitolino. Whilst the building has been subject to numerous makeovers through the centuries, it''s still possible to see remnants of the frescoes that once decorated the church. The church was closed in the 18th century and is now a national monument belonging to the Valdese community.
The city aquarium is a popular place for families to visit during their stay in Trieste. This aquarium is still housed within its rather grand, original 1930''s building. Here, tourists can look out for many marine attractions and creatures, including molluscs and crustaceans, as well as penguins, reptiles, turtles and fish.
This castle was the home of Maximilian until he was forced to leave and become the Emperor of Mexico. The next resident, Duke Amedeo of Savoy made it the seat for various military commands. In 1955, it was transformed into a museum. The castle still has the original furniture commissioned by Maximilian. There is a chapel; the Japanese and Chinese rooms, rich in oriental ornaments; and the apartments where the Duke of Savoy lived. Miramare is set in an extraordinary park, which extends over 54 acres.
The distinctive sandstone facade of Trieste''s cathedral was built in the 14th century and is dedicated to St Just. As well as Byzantine mosaics, the cathedral''s interior boasts a chapel, which is said to date back to the 13th century. Members of the Spanish Bourbon dynasty are buried in the cathedral''s crypt.
This enormous cave, first opened to the public in 1908, is large enough to contain the entire basilica of Saint Peter. Because of its special characteristics and constant temperature of 12°C, it is the site of scientific experiments of world interest.
This is not simply a piazza, but the very heart of Trieste: its lounge, its soul, its business center, as well as the commercial and political center.The piazza also accommodates many concerts, festivals, shows and exhibitions. Shaped in a perfect rectangle and surrounded by amazing palaces: the Municipio with its clock tower; the Stratti, housing General Insurance and also the Caffè degli Specchi and the Palazzo del Lloyd Trestino, which once housed the oldest Italian navigation company. Finally there is also the Prefettura or government palace and the lovely Art Nouveau building that houses the fine Duca d''Aosta hotel. And at the piazza''s center stands the 18th''century Quattro Continenti fountain, the former terminal of the Maria Teresa d''Austria aqueduct.
The people of Trieste refer affectionately to this temple as the "little cheese" because of its triangular shape. In fact, the Mariano Temple of Monte Grisa is an extraordinary construction. Its bulk dominates the whole city and the beautiful gulf below it. It is on one of the most beautiful and attractive parts of the Carso and the view from the top is breathtaking. It is definitely worth making the tortuous ascent up to the church. It was built under the wishes of the then bishop Antonio Santin in 1945.It has provided a destination for pilgrims from all over Italy and abroad. It is seen as an oasis for prayer.
Viale XX Settembre is the site of the city''s ancient acqueduct and today is one of the most pleasant and popular places to walk in the city. It is very near the central and chaotic Via Battisti, but compared to this it is a haven of peace.