Trieste at First Glance — Two Parts Italy

Looking down on the Gulf of Trieste from our apartment building - a steep 15 minute walk to the Piccolo Università Italiana where we studied for 2 weeks

When a friend writes and suggests meeting in Trieste for some fun and a couple of weeks of language study, there really is only one correct answer - Si !!

That is especially true if Trieste is a city I you’ve never visited, in a part of Italy that you don’t know well. Both were true for me. Not to mention that my Italian grammar is always in need of a tune up, so two weeks of organized and directed study is always a good idea.

Add to the above the fact that Trieste sits right on a big body of water - the Gulf of Trieste. And, where there is a sea there is sure to be seafood. Having lived many years in land-locked New Mexico, anywhere with water and seafood is a big draw. No surprise then that on the first day there we headed to the waterfront for a first glance of the city. Or that my first meal was a wonderful Spaghetti alle Vongole.

Trieste is an important port, not only for Italy but for the central and eastern European countries, several of which have have no sea access of their own. The center and surrounding areas are a center for shipping, ship building, and commerce. Trieste also has a harbor for smaller recreational boats. There is just something joyful about seeing all those small boats with their tall masts, even if the still cold weather meant it wasn’t quite sailing seasdurinon yet.

The strip of city along the water is also a place where people go to stroll, for recreation, and for dining. Turn one direction and see tall masts, large ships, and even an impounded Russian yacht which has become a sort of landmark. A series of bronze statues at one of the piers speaks to Trieste’s history.

Look further down the waterfront and find the old Aquarium (now an exhibit space). During my visit the Aquarium was hosting an interesting exhibit of objects made from recycled materials and some gigantic robots who were named for their roles in maintaining the environment.

Turn around and the city begins to unfold before you with ornate buildings, fancy hotels, and a historic square, the Piazza Unita d’Italia. Beautiful by day and even better when lit up at night.

There is even a rather short Grand Canal which leads from the bay a runs a little way into the city. It’s a hint of Venice in Trieste and a great spot for an aperitivo.

Trieste’s Grand Canal once moved goods into the city from the port. Today it is a great place to sit for an aperitivo or begin a walk through the pedestrian areas of Trieste

There is so much more to say about Trieste, but for now I am happy to just appreciate its waterfront.