This year, Trieste celebrates 51 years of the Barcolana Autumn Cup Regatta (La Barcolana), organized by the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano. This is one of Trieste’s premiere events for locals and visitors alike and is the world’s largest regatta. For 2019’s race, the organization had to place a cap of 2,700 on the number of entries, as the…
People often complain that Trieste is so remote — and Triestines joke that they like it that way! But in fact, this famous gateway to “MittleEurope” is undergoing a transformation to make it even more accessible. The biggest news is the new train connection between Trieste and the local international airport Aeroporto Friuli Venezia Giulia (TRS)…
The Greek community has had a healthy presence in Trieste since Charles VI declared Trieste a free port in 1719, opening the city up to trade and the establishment of many different ethnic communities within the city. Still today there are many families of Greek heritage in Trieste and they continue to play an important…
Just a little over an hour’s drive from Trieste, tucked away in the Julian Alps is the town of Tarvisio. This is a destination year-round for many locals looking to enjoy downhill and cross country skiing in the winter and hiking and biking through the natural beauty of mountains in the summer. Tarvisio offers you…
I often take friends just over the border for delicious meals at some of the classic Slovenian Gostilnas, but on a Tuesday nights, many are closed. Luckily my pals on a Triestine cooking page on Facebook suggested I try Trattoria Valeria 1904 in Opicina. A friend of mine who is a “buona forchetta” (a “good…
The Trieste Golf Club is the oldest golf course in the FVG Region. Designed and originally built as a 9-hole course by the American Troops immediately after the end of World War II in 1954, it was extended to an 18-hole course in 2005, when the club celebrated its 50th anniversary. At…
For a city on the sea, Trieste surprisingly has very few places in town where to eat on the waterfront. City planners promise there will be more to come, but in the meantime, these are the ones I would recommend for enjoying the view, the food and sometimes both. Some are better than others but…
There is a sense of renewal in Trieste. New stores and restaurants are popping up and although it is a small city, it is always bustling with activities and events. Bars and restaurants are well attended as the Triestines love meeting friends for aperitivi or going out for dinner. The “Sacchetta” neighborhood (near the Port…
The Triestine people live for the sun and the sea. With the arrival of the first day of “good sun” (tanning sun) you begin to see the march towards the sea. Like ants to a food source, the procession of ladies and men begins… All to the seaside to work on their tans. They arrive in their down…
The Castle of Duino is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Trieste area. It is a little more rustic than Miramare but much more soulful and romantic. It maybe because of its location on the windswept cliffs of Duino overlooking the sea and the ancient ruins of the castle of the Patriarch…
One of the two highly rated-seafood restaurants on the tiny port of Duino, what Al Cavalluccio lacks in “glam”, it more than makes up for it in delicious food, abundant portions, and excellent service. To be fair, it may not look as fancy as its neighbor, LA DAMA BIANCA, but inside it is cozy and…
One would never guess that the modest little country home off the winding road just across the border from Italy near Opicina, is seat to one of Slovenia’s most prized chefs. Peter Patajac, winner of many International culinary awards, runs Ruj in Sezana, Slovenia — a mere 15 minutes from downtown Trieste. In the heart of…
If you’re in the mood for quick but substantial bite, you’ll find that the new “Toasteria” in Piazza Ponterosso will fill the bill. They have limited seating indoors, but plenty of tables out on the Piazza overlooking the Canal Grande area. The main fare here are grilled sandwiches, referred to in Italy as “toasts”. There are…
For the last quarter century, the Tavernetta al Molo has served as the culinary anchor to the tiny Port of Grignano. Usually, people refer to the restaurant as “Da Matteo” as the owner, Matteo Martinolli has a way of making you feel like a personal guest at his table. There you are served dish after delicate dish…
A favorite of Triestines and tourists alike, the grande dame of Trieste is the Caffe’ degli Specchi. Opened in 1839, it took it’s name from the many etched mirrored panels depicting important events in history that adorned its interior walls. Only a few of the originals are left. Also famous as a favorite haunt of the writers…
