Visiting the main square, the largest square in Europe with open access to the sea, is a must in Trieste. Don't be surprised if the architecture reminds you of Vienna. Trieste was part of Austria until 1918, and the elegant palaces are built in the same architectural style as the Viennese Ringstrasse.

Situated majestically above the Adriatic Sea, the elegant Castello Miramare impresses with fantastic views. Visit the interior to gain truly surprising insights into the life of Archduke Maximilian. Here, you will learn more about Maximilian's dramatic downfall in Mexico and see his unique interior design. On the terrace right by the sea, you will be rewarded with fantastic photos, and the extensive, enchanting gardens invite you to linger.

Only 15 km from Trieste (near the village of Borgo Grotta Gigante), the Giant Cave with its imposing stalactite formations is definitely worth a visit. Listed in the Guinness Book of Records until 2010 as the world's largest show cave accessible to tourists, it attracts about 90,000 visitors annually with its amazing stalactites and stalagmites.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Aquileia, built in the 4th century and repeatedly remodeled, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and impresses with one of the most extensive and best-preserved mosaic floors of the Western Roman Empire. It was discovered and uncovered beneath a medieval brick ceiling. It depicts scenes from the Old Testament and life at that time. Another highlight is the Campanile, built in the 11th century and later raised to 73 meters. From its top, you can enjoy a charming view of the surroundings.

High up on a hill, the Castello offers the best panoramic view over the rooftops of Trieste. The medieval castle from the 16th century has its roots in ancient Roman times. The castle museum showcases a beautiful weapons collection and offers interesting insights into the Roman and military history of the city.

How much time is needed? Plan for half a day to climb and visit the Castello and the Cathedral of Trieste.

Upon entering through the gate, look to the left: Here stand the original Moors Mikeze and Jakeze, who once adorned the town hall.

Tip: The castle is about a 30-minute walk from the old town. Those looking to save energy can use the elevator in the parking garage in the old town to get directly to the hill.

The Risiera di San Sabba in Trieste was the only Nazi concentration camp on Italian soil with a crematorium. From 1943 to 1945, the former rice husking factory served as a police detention center, through which over 1,450 Jewish prisoners and numerous political detainees passed - most of whom were murdered here or deported to extermination camps like Auschwitz.

Palmanova is a fascinating star-shaped fortress town from the Renaissance period, ideal for a half-day trip. The town, founded in 1593 by the Republic of Venice, impresses with its geometric perfection and symmetrical streets. Of course, you can only see this from the air. A walk through the town leads to the huge, seemingly oversized Piazza Grande, a hexagonal square surrounded by important buildings such as the Cathedral and the Governor's Palace. Markets and local festivals often take place here. The city walls and bastions also offer wonderful views of the surroundings.

Majestically, the Castello di Udine sits atop a Bronze Age hill in the historic center of the city. The current Renaissance structure was built between 1517 and 1567, after an earthquake destroyed the previous fortress, and was beautifully decorated by Giovanni da Udine, a student of Raphael.

The Canale Grande in Trieste, built in 1754, is small compared to Venice's famous canal at only 300 meters long, but still charming. Originally, it was intended for ships to sail directly into the city. Today, surrounded by historic buildings, the canal is a wonderful place for a stroll. The pedestrian bridge Passaggio Joyce is particularly popular for photos.

The Cathedral of San Giusto in Trieste is located on the hill of the same name and is a beautiful example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The beautiful rose window and the impressive apse mosaics, depicting scenes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary, make the church one of the city's most beautiful sights. You can also climb the bell tower for lovely views, but the view from the adjacent castle is much nicer.

High above the Tarvisio basin stands Monte Santo di Lussari with its distinctive pilgrimage church from the 16th century, which brings together Germanic, Romance, and Slavic pilgrims as the "Church of the Three Peoples." The sanctuary's origins date back to 1360 when a Madonna with Child was found here. Since then, the church, which has been destroyed multiple times, has been rebuilt and was completely renovated in 2000.

The Molo Audace is a historic pier located on the sea shore of Trieste, just steps from Piazza Unità d'Italia and the Grand Canal. Originally constructed in the mid-18th century using the wreck of the Austrian vessel San Carlo, it has been extended over the years to its current length of 246 meters. Today, the pier serves as a popular spot for leisurely walks and offers stunning views of the seafront and the city. It is also a traditional meeting place for couples, who often share a kiss at the end of the pier.

The Revoltella Museum, founded by Baron Pasquale Revoltella in 1872, showcases 19th and 20th-century art. Housed in a historic palace with a modern extension designed by Carlo Scarpa, the museum offers a wonderful collection of Italian and European masterpieces.

High above the Gulf of Trieste stands the Santuario Mariano di Monte Grisa, an impressive example of brutalist architecture from the 1960s. The distinctive church building, whose triangular shape represents the letter "M" for Mary, was designed by Antonio Guacci and is rooted in a vow made by Bishop Antonio Santin for the protection of Trieste during World War II.

The Fusine Lakes, surrounded by the dense Tarvisio Forest and majestic mountains, offer a breathtaking postcard-like setting. The crystal-clear water reflects the mountain peaks, while hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging are suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. There are several food stations, and numerous benches along the shores offer good resting spots. Particularly beautiful in autumn with the yellow-red leaves. A paradise for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Also suitable for families with children and dogs.

The Rilke Path, named after the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, offers spectacular views of the steep cliffs of the Karst plateau between Duino and Sistiana. The 2 km long hiking trail, which starts in the village of Duino, leads along rugged cliffs and through Mediterranean vegetation. Rilke himself was inspired to write his famous Duino Elegies while staying at Duino Castle and regularly walking here.

The Castello di Duino rises imposingly above the Adriatic Sea, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Trieste and the steep cliffs. Here, visitors can follow in the footsteps of Rainer Maria Rilke, who wrote his famous work, the "Duino Elegies," in this inspiring setting. At the castle, you can visit the well-preserved rooms, art collection, and the ruins of an older castle built in the 11th century. Combined with a hike on the nearby Rilke Trail, a visit here makes for a lovely day trip.

The largest military monument in Italy majestically overlooks the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, where fierce battles raged along the Isonzo during World War I. Inaugurated in 1938 by Benito Mussolini, this memorial holds the remains of over 100,000 Italian soldiers and impresses with its monumental 22-step staircase, symbolizing a military formation.

The Carnic Alps stretch along the border between Austria and Italy and are a paradise for hikers with their imposing peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear mountain lakes.

Piazza della Borsa, a significant square in Trieste, is a vibrant hub known as the city's "second living room." Once the economic center in the 19th century, it houses the neoclassical Old Stock Exchange and features notable landmarks like the Leopold I column and the Art Nouveau Bartoli house. Recently the square was pedestrianized. Since it's in the historic centre, you'll have no trouble seeing it on your way to/from the Canal Grande.

In the monumental Villa Manin in Passariano di Codroipo, Italy, you will find an impressive Baroque complex from the 17th century, which once served as the residence of the last Venetian Doge, Ludovico Manin.

In the historic old town of Grado stands the Basilica di Sant'Eufemia, which was built around 580 AD by Archbishop Elia as the main church of the former Patriarchate of Grado.

The Foiba di Basovizza near Trieste is a poignant memorial for the victims of the Yugoslav massacres after World War II. Originally established as a coal mine in the early 20th century, this 228-meter deep shaft became an execution site and mass grave for numerous Italian and German civilians and military personnel in 1945.

On the picturesque Piazza Libertà, the oldest square in Udine, an impressive ensemble of Venetian architecture unfolds. Once a marketplace for wine trading, this spot is lined with magnificent buildings like the Venetian-Gothic Loggia del Lionello from the 15th century and the Arco Bollani designed by Andrea Palladio.

The Serbian Orthodox Church on the Grand Canal in Trieste impresses with its neo-Byzantine architecture, featuring a high dome, four bell towers, and intricate mosaics on the facade. This magnificent building, designed by Carlo Maciachini, was constructed between 1868 and 1885, replacing an earlier structure from the 18th century.

Monte Zoncolan in the Carnic Alps is considered one of the toughest climbs in Europe, with an impressive average gradient of 12% starting from Ovaro. Known as the "Balcony of the Carnic Alps," the mountain not only offers breathtaking views but also a versatile ski area with 30 kilometers of slopes.

The Lighthouse of Victory (Faro della Vittoria) in Trieste is a remarkable monument built between 1923 and 1927 by architect Arduino Berlam. It serves a dual purpose as both a navigational aid, illuminating the Gulf of Trieste, and a commemorative monument honoring fallen sailors of World War I. Located on Poggio di Gretta, 60 meters above sea level, it features a majestic bronze statue of winged Victoria and an imposing column topped with a lantern. Visitors can explore the first terrace of this historic lighthouse, which offers fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding area.

In the picturesque Valcellina region of the Pordenone province, you will find Lago di Barcis at an elevation of 402 meters, a reservoir with its characteristic turquoise-green water. The lake, officially named after its builder Napoleone Aprilis, was created in the 1950s with the construction of the 47-meter-high dam at Ponte Antoi and has since been used for power generation.

As the largest natural lake in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, Lago di Cavazzo is beautifully situated at an elevation of 195 meters between the municipalities of Cavazzo Carnico, Bordano, and Trasaghis. This glacial lake reaches depths of up to 40 meters and maintains a constant temperature of around 10°C year-round, thanks to its underground springs.

High above the Italian town of Gorizia stands the medieval Castello di Gorizia, with its earliest fortifications dating back to the 11th century. The original castle was expanded in the 13th century to include a noble palace and has a rich history, from the rule of the Counts of Gorizia to Maximilian I of Habsburg and a brief Venetian occupation.

In the modern Parco Zoo Punta Verde in Lignano Sabbiadoro, you can expect to see around 1000 animals from over 80 different species across 10 hectares. Founded in 1979, the zoo is dedicated to species conservation and was the first facility in the world to launch a protection project for the endangered black-faced lion tamarin from Brazil in 2002.

In the picturesque border area between Italy and Slovenia lies the hilly landscape of Collio, known for its excellent wines under the DOC designation "Collio Goriziano." Between historical landmarks like the Castello di Trussio, Schloss Dobrovo, and the Church of San Floriano, well-maintained vineyards stretch out, where olives are increasingly being cultivated again. The region's tumultuous history is reflected in its cultural diversity - here, Italian, Friulian, and Slovenian influences blend into a unique mix. After turbulent times under Habsburg rule and the upheavals of both World Wars, the area is now divided between Italy and Slovenia, with a Slovenian-speaking community still living on the Italian side.

Nestled in the mountains of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lago del Predil sits at an altitude of nearly 960 meters - a natural mountain lake near the Italian-Slovenian border. With a length of 1.5 kilometers and a width of 500 meters, it is the second largest natural lake in the region after Lago di Cavazzo. Likely formed by glacial activity, the lake is fed by the Rio di Saletto and captivates with its clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop. Depending on which of the three bordering countries you are in, you might know it as Lâc di Rabil, Rabeljsko jezero, or Raibler See.

In northeastern Italy, you can find Aquileia antica, one of the most significant archaeological sites of the Roman world, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Founded in 181 BC, this Roman city developed into one of the most important trade centers of the Empire and even became one of the capitals of the Roman Empire under Emperor Maximian.

The Duomo di Udine, which has been the spiritual center of the northern Italian city since 1236, impressively combines Romanesque and Gothic elements on its exterior with a magnificent Baroque interior.

On Monte San Michele in the Italian Karst region, you will find a moving piece of history from World War I, where Austro-Hungarian and Italian troops once faced each other in the Battle of the Isonzo.

High above Friuli, at an altitude of 618 meters, stands the Santuario della Beata Vergine di Castelmonte, one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the region, with roots dating back to early Christianity. The first documented mention of the church dates back to 1175, but after several destructions due to lightning strikes and earthquakes, it was rebuilt and expanded multiple times in the 15th and 16th centuries.

At the foot of the hill San Giusto, you discover one of the best-preserved Roman theaters north of the Adriatic, commissioned at the end of the 1st century BC by Quinto Petronio Modesto.

In the charming town of Cividale, you will find the Oratorio di Santa Maria in Valle, the most significant and best-preserved structure from the time of Lombard rule in Italy. This sacred building, also known as the Tempietto Longobardo, was built in the mid-8th century under Astolfo, the Duke of Friuli and King of the Lombards, as a monastery chapel.

At the National Archaeological Museum of Aquileia, one of the largest museums dedicated to Roman civilization in the world, you can expect an impressive collection of ancient treasures housed in the historic Villa Cassis Faraone.

In the northern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, you can explore the fascinating Riserva naturale del Lago di Cornino, a nature reserve that spans 487 hectares. Established in 1996, the reserve is managed by the municipalities of Forgaria nel Friuli and Trasaghis and is one of the most important protected areas in the region.

At 2,754 meters, the Jôf di Montasio stands majestically as the highest peak of the Italian Julian Alps, overlooking the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Since its first ascent by Hermann Findenegg in 1877, this striking mountain has attracted climbers and hikers with various routes, ranging from the technically challenging "Kugy-Horn" route to the classic Findenegg path via the Rifugio Giacomo di Brazzà.

In the small town of Sesto al Reghena, you will find one of the most significant monastic complexes in Northern Italy, the Abbazia di Santa Maria in Sylvis, whose history dates back to the 8th century. The impressive entrance tower with its former drawbridge and the artistically designed facade featuring the Lion of St. Mark still testify to the abbey's former fortitude and wealth. Inside the church, you can admire stunning frescoes by the Tuscan painter Antonio da Firenze, while in the crypt rests the urn of Saint Anastasia, crafted from a single block of Greek marble in the 8th century. The history of the abbey is closely linked to important figures such as Charlemagne and later Pope Paul II, who granted the monastery significant privileges and donations.

As the highest mountain in the province of Gorizia, Sabotino marks the border between Italy and Slovenia and offers you wide views over the Isonzo Valley and the plains of Gorizia. During World War I, the mountain was the site of fierce battles, especially during the Isonzo battles, until Italian troops finally captured it in 1916. Today, the mountain, declared a national monument in 1922, serves as an impressive open-air museum and is part of the cross-border Peace Parks. Particularly striking is the visible stone inscription "NAŠ TITO," which commemorates Josip Broz Tito and symbolizes the tumultuous history of the region.

The Teatro Verdi, which opened in 1801, is the most important opera house in Trieste and impresses with its neoclassical architecture designed by Gian Antonio Selva and Matteo Pertsch. With around 1,300 seats, the venue, originally founded as the "Teatro Nuovo," still regularly hosts opera performances and cultural events today.

The majestic Loggia del Lionello has dominated the Piazza Libertà in the heart of Udine since the mid-15th century, captivating visitors with its distinctive façade of pink and white stone. Built in the Venetian Gothic style, this magnificent structure originally served as the town hall and has withstood both a devastating earthquake and a destructive fire throughout its history. With ten arches, a central balcony, and intricately decorated triforiums, this 15-meter-high building stands today as one of the city's most significant landmarks. Inside, it houses remarkable artworks, including frescoes by Nicolò da Venzone and a Madonna and Child by Giovanni Antonio Pordenone.

Rising 1,641 meters above sea level with its characteristic cone shape, the Matajur offers you a breathtaking panorama on clear days, stretching all the way to the lagoon of Grado and even Venice. This mountain in the Julian Pre-Alps was the site of the Battle of Caporetto during World War I, when Lieutenant Rommel captured it on October 24, 1917. Today, the Matajur attracts visitors with marked hiking trails of varying difficulty, an observatory opened in 2013, and a small church at the summit. In the mountain's karst formations and caves, you'll find an impressive diversity of over 600 vascular plants, while deer, foxes, and birds of prey inhabit the higher elevations.

The impressive Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Nuovo has been a defining feature of the cityscape along the Canal Grande in the heart of Trieste since 1849. This neoclassical building, designed by the Swiss architect Pietro Nobile, replaced a baroque church from the 18th century that had become too small. It captivates with its striking façade, adorned with six Ionic columns and an equal number of saint statues by the sculptor Francesco Bosa.

Kleines Berlin, or 'Little Berlin,' is a fascinating underground complex of World War II air-raid tunnels in Trieste. Managed by passionate volunteers, tours are available every last Friday of the month, though special arrangements can be made. For only 5 EUR, visitors can explore these historically rich tunnels, learning about Trieste's wartime history, German occupation, and speleology. The tunnels were constructed by the Germans after annexing Trieste in 1943, using three different companies to ensure secrecy. They served as an air-raid shelter for German soldiers and civil employees, with separate sectors for Italian and German use. This unique experience is highly recommended for history enthusiasts.