Nestling beside the Adriatic and backed by Slovenian mountain peaks, lined with long sandy beaches and steeped in ornate, imperious neoclassical architecture, Trieste is a great place to go for history-buffs and culture-vultures. With a unique culture and an even more unique place in history, it is full of Roman ruins, medieval Venetian fortresses, decayed archaic churches and the regal palaces of the Habsburg Empire. Having only officially joined Italy in 1963, it was once the great seaport of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and as such the dialect is a curious mix of Italian, Austrian, Croatian and Greek. Changing hands throughout the centuries, the architecture reflects its chaotic history: fortresses like the Castello di San Giusto was an enlarged Venetian castle, built over Roman ruins, and the cathedral itself was a mishmash of two churches, built between the 6th and 11th centuries - a truly beautiful site boasting ancient mosaics, while outside stands the remnants of a Roman forum.
The fact that this city is a real hodgepodge of cultures shows in the depth and variety of its art, for it boasts one of the finest contemporary art galleries in Italy - the Museo Civico Revoltella - as well as the picturesque Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia, surely one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in the country. It's no wonder that the city was favoured by James Joyce, who lived there for over a decade, and haunted the eternally chic cafes that sit beside the Canale Grande. Truly mesmerising, unique and jam-packed with culture and history, and the best places to stay in Trieste range from a charming antiquated boutique to a luxurious hotel set in a Belle Epoque mansion.
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Trieste (34124 Trieste TS )
A charming hotel on a quiet street just steps from the central square. Interiors are light and decorated tastefully, with antique furniture, modern paintings, exposed beams and oriental rugs. Breakfast is provided for guests and there are many restaurants and bars on the doorstep. A real hidden gem!
Trieste (Trieste TS)
Historic luxury hotel overlooking the fabulous Trieste bay. With magnificent halls, stairwells, courts and sumptuous furnishings harking back to its Belle Epoque heyday. Rooms are unfussy, modern and elegant with some featuring beautiful balconies; and there's an unmissable Italian restaurant too.
