Destinations: Trieste

Trieste, Friuli Venezia-Giulia

Located on the most northeastern point of Italy, Trieste is a city to be seen on foot to view the diverse architectural styles, natural wonders and sparkling water.

History
The town of Trieste has been settled since the pre-Roman era. Known as Tergeste, which historians have translated as "market town," Trieste is on the border of many different cultures and many different histories. Control of the city has switched among Austria, Yugoslavia and Italy, with the city finally coming under Italian control in 1954. The Romans established an outpost in Trieste somewhere around the 1st century BC, settling the colony on the slope of the hill of San Giusto.

Sights
Many of the archeological sites have been excavated, revealing the base of a civil Basilica and an amphitheater. Under the Romans, the well-located port became an important trading site. For the period after the fall of the Roman Empire, only traces of Trieste's history have been preserved, and it seems that the long series of barbarian invasions and eventually the medieval battles for maritime control led to many new rulers and minimal continuity. In the late 14th century, Trieste emerged again as an important port under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and this coupling had a profound impact on the cultural, linguistic, gastronomic and military history of Trieste. One of Trieste's (and arguably Italy's) most moving poets, Umberto Saba, described his hometown in his poetry and always observed the multi-layered history that was part of its past and present.

Don't miss the Cathedral of San Silvestro and the Arco di Riccardo, one of the ancient Roman archways. In the summer, bring a beach towel and your sunscreen—there are many opportunities to go to the beach. On the second Sunday of October a sailing race called Barcolana fills the Gulf of Trieste with nearly 2000 boats of varying sizes. The race is the largest in the Mediterranean.

Transportation
Flights arrive at the Aeroporto Ronchi dei Legionari, Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Or take the train to the Trieste station. By car, take the A4 toward Venice.

Links
http://www.triestetourism.it