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.
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.
The first section of the Civico Museo di Storia Naturale includes material which is open for public display and there is also a section reserved for students and specialists. The botanic collection has around 30 herbs and other material from the region and the rest of the country. There is a large zoological section, with an entire room devoted to coral and mother pearl. There is also marine life, amphibians and reptiles from all over the world and a section for marine mammals called "Giants of the Sea." In addition, there is a rich paleontological and mineral collection, with the reptile Carsosaurus as one of the oldest fossils and some remains of a carnivorous dinosaur found in Duino, between Carso and the sea. There is also an area dedicated to prehistoric man and human anatomy, with a man's brain from Mompaderno being of particular interest.
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 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.
Klub Baza is a cultural center with an alternative bent, favoring upcoming artists and underground acts. The club's diverse lineup of events includes everything from concerts of ever genre, to lectures by travel enthusiasts, book presentations, art exhibitions and craft fairs featuring the work of local artisans. Klub Baza's vibrant program is a reflection of the club's diverse membership. The space doubles up as a performance venue and exhibition space for its members, as well as an entertainment destination for the curious of mind. Managed by the KUD Neznani Junak, there is always something new to discover at Klub Baza.
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.
In the old Campo Marzio station, opened in 1906 by the Archduke Francesco Ferdinando, this museum tells the story of the evolution of railway transport through the use of documents, photos, models, videos, locomotives, carriages and more than 1500 books dedicated to the subject. The exhibition is divided into four sections; history, labour, electrical systems and movement. There is also a fifth section that is devoted to the tramways of Trieste, Istria and Friuli. There is also a chance to take an old train to platforms that are no longer in use, leading to the outskirts of Trieste or to Bled, a lovely town near the Slovenian border. The timetable constantly changes so contact the museum for details.
This is one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Trieste. Located on the San Vito hill, near the city center, it is a large structure with three naves and stunning stone walls. It was built between 1948 and 1954, in a modern, roman style and is home to a lovely group of Franciscan friars who live in the adjacent building, built in 1938. Across from the church is a large piazza, perfect for parking, and a small garden with some games for children and an skating rink. There is also an internal courtyard perfect for a game of football or basketball. Mass is packed here on Sunday mornings.