(Trieste December 1-4)
We are drawn to Trieste because of its position on the border of Italy and Slovenia, and because of all the complicated history that goes with the location. It’s been lobbed back and forth over time among Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Yugoslavia, and Slovenia. It’s a port city, a border town, an ancient Roman city, and a literary hotspot (James Joyce lived here for a time). I’d recently read “Trieste,” by Daša Drndić. And the name reminds me of the Spanish word for sad: triste. Mussolini was here. What could possibly go wrong?
Hotel
Hotel James Joyce – A reasonable hotel in a really good location in the old section, but not far from Piazza Unità d'Italia. In this case we took a taxi from the rail station. Good Wi-Fi. Thin walls. A temporary hot water problem was resolved within an hour. Note, the reception desk and breakfast are at Urban Hotel, just across the back street. There’s a comfortable lounge there, too, which can serve as an office.
Sites
Castle of San Giusto – A fun place to explore. Highlights include the Roman exhibit of statuary, inscriptions, and mosaic floors in the bowels of the castle. Military armament is displayed in the spacious old castle director's quarters. (Apparently, this wasn't a bad gig.) And views over the city are really good, if not too windy. Some say the wind is what makes the people of Trieste a little off their rockers.
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Trieste Cathedral – Cattedrale di San Giusto is a 9-11th Century Romanesque church built on top of a 6th century basilica. It is small but outstanding for its impressive–and purple!–mosaics. Pay the 50 cents to light up the chapels to see these works of art. This, like the Castle of San Giusto next door, is built above Roman ruins.
Museo Revoltella – We hadn't set out to visit a modern art gallery in Trieste, but this was the only museum open that day. A happy surprise. There’s some really good work by sculptors Arturo Martini, Franco Asco, and Marcello Mascherini, exhibited in a studio-like setting. The visit includes the extant rooms of the Baron Revoltella’s home with portraits and decor by Alfredo Tominz. The museum has expanded beyond the original palatial home to include a a new wing with large collection of genre paintings and portraits from the last century, as well as an impressive cycle of sculpture.
Restaurants
L’Etrusco Enoteca – This wine bar is a great stop for a light dinner or late night plate. The board of cheese and sausage (including Prosciutto di cinta senese from those fancy black pigs w white neck bands) is memorable. With that, enjoy a glass of Villa Antinori (a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon). Alberto and his staff offer a warm welcome.
ArcoRiccardo – This fine but relaxed restaurant, in a locale formerly frequented by James Joyce, is named for the Roman arch it sits atop. The arch is a local landmark, and once inside the restaurant, you can view more of the excavations. But the star of the show is the food. This was easily one of the best meals of our Eurail trip. We ordered with good advice from the smart staff, shared dishes (also with staff encouragement), and thoroughly enjoyed penne pasta with shrimp followed by fresh sea bass. We couldn’t resist a coffee and Lepanto brandy, because it was there. Kudos to this owner/chef for his courage in re-opening the historic site after it had lain empty for years.
In the City – This isn’t a place you’d walk across town for, but we were lucky in that it was open when we were hungry, and they offered a couple staple items found on most Trieste menus. One of those is Stinko, a big, fatty roasted knuckle of pork, and another is Jota, a potato, bean, and slaw soup that tastes better than it looks.
This is part of Italy I haven’t visited yet. Looks like I’m missing out! Next time perhaps;)
I do recommend the book, Trieste, by Daša Drndić, too, if you are interested in the history of this area. The city has a wild and windy edge! Hope you enjoy it when you get there.
Looks to be an ideal, if lesser-known, stop along the Adriatic way. We’d wondered how an overland route might work to Slovenia and then non-Schengen territory. Interesting the Hapsburgs got that far, too. I need to read more history from that era.
Betsy, other than the fact that the train was out of commission due to an ice storm, the trip from Trieste to Ljubljana Is easy! Let me know if there’s a trip in your near future.
Trieste looks like an interesting stop. I too would be drawn to it because of its complicated history.
Donna, it was cool that even in our short stay, the pride in the local area was palpable.
We’ve only whizzed by Trieste on our way to and from Croatia – have always wanted to spend a few days there. Since Kirk is a dedicated coffee drinker, the city, where coffee “entered Europe”, and home of Dr. Illy, often comes up in conversation ;) Will keep your resto and hotel recos – grazie!
Yes, that’s a great tiidbit of history, too, isn’t it? Let us know about your discoveries when you visit.
What a beautiful blog. We visited Trieste a few years ago on the tail end of a trip to Croatia. My husband particularly wanted to go because he had really liked Jan Morris’s book _Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere_ (which I thought made it an odd travel destination). But we did really like it and I remember we ate very well.
Debra, glad you brought that up! “Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere” is on my list, as it was recommended to me by the lovely staff at Enoteca LEtrusco. Here’s to our both returning some day.
We really MUST get ourselves back to Italy. Trieste would be a new destination for us. Is it a good place for swimming in the sea? When we’re by the seaside, we’re always looking to take a dip (if the weather and water are warm enough).
Hey Janice and George,
While Trieste may not be known for its beaches, you can definitely find some nice places for a dip. We were there in the winter, and it is a port city, so I have no first hand advice for you.
That board of cheese and salami looks really good. I’d love to visit Trieste someday, before because of a cafe by that name in San Francisco, and now because of your posting about its pleasures.
Carole, That board of cheese and salami WAS good, and I ate it myself! (Tom was taking the evening off.) I’ll check out the Trieste restaurant in Berkeley – or rather, ask my family there about it. I’m glad the post has inspired you.
We love trains. What a great way to see Italy. The food looks fab as doe the sights.
Billie, of all the times we’ve visited Italy, this was our first time in Verona, first time in Trieste, and our longest and best visit to Venice. I’d go back and do it all again!
I have to get to Italy. After reading your blog I am determined to get there sooner rather than later! Well done!
Glad to hear it, Marilyn. I’m working on posts about our various Italy stops, with quick recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and sights. Coming soon….
Thank you for taking me back to Trieste. I went there in May this year and fell in love. I blog on Italy- http://www.ishitasood.blogspot.in
Thanks, Ishita. I’ll enjoy looking into your Italy blog.
Thank you Kristin :) Hope you like it, keep me posted!