Trieste: An Undiscovered Gem on the Italian Coast

Located just 2.5 hours away from my hometown, Trieste has always piqued my curiosity. This time, I was exploring this captivating city alongside my sister, who was attending the University of Primorska for work. We decided to turn her work trip into a two-day adventure abroad.

Our accommodations at The Modernist, a charming hotel in the heart of Trieste, were nothing short of delightful. The ornamental ceilings, adorned with elegant arches, immediately caught our attention. As a plant enthusiast, I could not help but be drawn to the green wall featuring real plants like monsteras, creating a vibrant and natural atmosphere. The dramatic red and yellow curtains added a touch of theatricality to the space. Adjacent to the green wall was an up-cycled pool table,
providing a unique spot to enjoy a morning newspaper or catch up on emails. The reception desk, made from vintage suitcases, added a nostalgic and artistic touch.

Our room, although compact, was surprisingly spacious and well-appointed. The modern black and white bathroom stole the spotlight with its intriguing wash basin. Next to twin beds were beautiful bed tables. Each room featured a ceiling adorned with a thought-provoking quote. It was a pleasant surprise that there was also a complimentary fruit. The room had all the essential amenities, including a small minibar, a large-screen TV, air conditioning, and comfortable beds.

In the evening, we have decided to immerse ourselves in the Italian lifestyle by indulging in Aperol and pizza. We followed the recommendation of a fellow "foodie" and were pleasantly surprised by the affordability of both – drinks and food at the recommended establishment.

The next day began with a sumptuous breakfast consisting of salmon, prosciutto, a variety of cheeses, and a perfectly crafted cappuccino. Accompanied by a tasty pistachio brioche, we fuelled ourselves for the day ahead. A short thirty-minute bus ride took us to the enchanting Miramare Castle, a must-visit location on our itinerary. The castle's fairy-tale-like garden and the surprisingly affordable coffee prices left a lasting impression, even though it is popular among tourists. Castle was equally fascinating, with its lower ground boasting a Mediterranean medieval interior and the upper floor exuding a 1920s safari-inspired look. Perched on the tip of the cape, each window of the castle offered breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea. The city beach, near the castle, provided the perfect opportunity for a few hours of sunbathing and swimming.

After a quick snack of focaccia, we moved on to another special place — a vintage bookstore and cafe. I could not resist buying a comic book as motivation to brush up on my A1 Italian. The space was a visual delight. It had high ceilings, books, and vintage bistro tables and chairs.

As a tourist, it can be challenging to experience a city authentically without the guidance of locals. In the evening, we went to a unique alternative bar that doubled as a seafood restaurant. Its vintage interior, characterised by antique-looking furnishings, different chairs, vintage tiles, old computer screens, walls adorned with books, and various vintage decor elements, immediately captured our attention. To our delight, it was a gathering spot for musicians, leading to an unexpectedly enjoyable evening filled with impromptu concerts and delectable Italian seafood.

Next morning, we savoured a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on last day's activities. We visited the lighthouse and climbed 250 stairs to the top, rewarding ourselves with a magnificent panoramic view of Trieste. To conclude our trip, we went to the Salone degli Incanti, formerly known as the "ex-Pescheria" warehouse, where we indulged in a David Lachapelle exhibition.

Lachapelle, a highly acclaimed American photographer and videographer, is renowned for his fashion photography, often referencing art history and conveying social messages. His distinctive photographic style, described as "hyper-real and subversive" and labelled as "kitsch pop surrealism", left a lasting impression.

After savouring another delectable pizza (because one can never have enough of it), we slowly made our way back home. In retrospect, I am amazed that I had not visited Trieste before. It exceeded my expectations, offering many experiences and attractions I hope to revisit soon.