The Grotta Fioravante has garnered public interest thanks to its rich history. Archaeological excavations have unearthed artifacts which are can be dated back to the Mesolithic period. Later, the cave was also used as a cellar by the royal family and afterwards in the 20th century, it also bore witness to the World Wars. During the Second World War, the cave was used as a waste deposit by the allied forces.
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. Very busy of course during the week , it plays an important role on Sunday mornings when thousands of people descend on this large European piazza that overlooks the sea. Here, they drink coffee, meet friends, colleagues and acquaintances, all in a very unique atmosphere. 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. It would be a grave sin to visit Trieste and not have a coffee in this lovely piazza.
The Jewish community of Trieste has a long established cultural tradition. Throughout the Centuries, many of the most famous cultural exponents of the city came from the Jewish community. This small, but important museum traces their history and their work. The collection is made up of ritual objects, silver and materials. Guided visits out of hours are possible on request.
The Riserva Naturale della Val Rosandra is an evocative corner of the Kras Plateau above Trieste. It is just 20 minutes away from the city center going towards Muggia, and is the destination of tourists, spelunkers, and mountain climbers, every weekend. It is located in the San Dorligo della Valle administrative area and is a real natural paradise with a spectacular landscape of cliffs, piles of rocks, and rocky walls overhanging the torrent which crosses through the valley. The wild and rough aspect of some sites in the valley have given rise to numerous local legends about the mysterious princess Rosandra, or even, Charlemagne. The locals say that a walk in this valley frees your mind and reinforces the body. Who knows? What is certain is that it is a place full of charm. There are all sorts of things to discover in the valley. You could spend a whole day walking here, perhaps stopping for a picnic by the river or eating at the Mario Premuda refuge.
Castello di Miramare 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 Castello di Miramare 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 (21.8 hectares). Guided tours are available upon request.
Risiera di San Sabba became the site of the only extermination camp in Italy with the German occupation in 1943. Civico Museo della Risiera di San Sabba has been a national monument since 1965. Three thousand to five thousand people lost their lives here. At the end of the war the building was partially destroyed by fleeing Nazis, trying to eliminate proof of the horrors they committed. Restored in 1975, this is a frightening place to visit; the death cells are open to visit as well as 17 detention cells, and a historic, photographic exhibition. Do not miss out on a visit.
Hidden away in the alleyways of Muggia, in an enchanting area at the foot of a medieval castle, is this old, small church devoted to San Francesco. After having visited the church, ask to see the Consoli collection, which is in a small room where hundreds of cribs from all over the world are kept. An original and delightful collection which is a good reason to spend a day in this peaceful village by the sea.
The Bonifika Stadium is a football stadium which is a part of Bonifika sports complex. Built in 1947, the stadium was named after the city. After heavy reconstruction in 2010, it has a current capacity of 4,047 seats. The stadium is home of the FC Koper.
The Holy Trinity Church, located on in the small mountain village of Hrastovlje, is a fortified stone church believed to built in the 12th or the 15th Century. It features Romanesque style of architecture with some elements of Venetian Renaissance and was constructed as a part of a defensive structure for the villagers to protect them against attacks of invading Turkish armies. Even with its remarkable architecture and rich historical background, the church is mostly well known for the stunning wall frescoes decorating its inner walls painted by the noted artist John of Kastav in 1490. The most popular attraction is the mural called 'Dance of Death' depicting the rich and poor alike, equally treated by God towards the end. Today, visitors can view these amazing paintings with the option of a guided tour or listen to a taped multi-lingual commentary available at the site.
Constructed in 1964, the public sports venue of Nova Gorica offers a multitude of facilities like an Olympic pool, an indoor pool, a football ground, a basketball court, volleyball courts, tennis grounds, an athletic track, a large football stadium and a fitness center as well. Various activity programs of kids, adults and seniors are available here as well. Outside the stadium, there is a separate sports center owned by the institution, offering activities like skating, kayaking and table tennis.
Explore the splendor of Slovenian Littoral region and its natural beauty by paying a visit to the awe-inspiring Vilenica Cave. It is set in the very heart of the town of Sežana in Slovenia, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the country. The oldest commercial cave in all of Europe, this unique natural beauty is used as a setting for the renowned Vilenica Literary festival, which is held every year. The cave has a length of 1,300 meters (4,300 feet), and a depth of 180 meters (590 feet). Don't give this place a miss at any cost!