| Trieste, Italy
lies on the northeastern border of Slovenia, at the head of the Gulf of
Trieste on the Adriatic Sea. Trieste has a currently population
of around 207,000 people and is the capital of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia
and the Trieste Province. The inhabitants of Trieste make up an
ethnic mix of different languages, including the local Triestine, Slovenian,
and German.
There are many beautiful sights
to behold in Trieste. Two very popular castles, the Castle of Miramare
and the Castle of San Giusto can give you an idea of the early life of
this beautiful city the Castle of San Giusto was designed on the remains
of a previous castle and took nearly two centuries to finish. Parts of
the castle date back to 1470 with the newest additions dating back to 1630.
The Cathedral of San Giusto
is also a highly popular touring spot, as well as the Church of Santa Maria
Maggiore and the Church of San Nicolo` dei Greci. Other churches dating
back hundreds of years are also available for touring and sightseeing.
While in Trieste, be sure to visit the Arch of Riccardo. This Augustan
gate was erected in 33 BC and it is believed that King Richard of England
once crossed this arch on his return journey from the Crusades. Other remains
of noted history include the Basilica Forense, built in the 2nd century,
and the Palaeochristian Basilica.
The Risiera di San Sabba is
a national monument that stands to represent the only Nazi extermination
camp in Italy.
Festivals are held in Trieste
for many occasions. From October until May the neo-classical Teatro Comunale
Giuseppe Verdi, which originally opened in 1801, holds concerts and operas.
Other major events include the Latin American Directors competition, known
as the Festival del Cinema Latino Americano, and the Festival del Cinema
di Alpe Adria, which honors films from central and eastern Europe.
Only during the last twenty
years or so has Trieste really begun to make a name for itself.
It is now considered to be the most important city for scientific research
throughout all of Italy. There are several research institutes located
in Trieste, including the Area di Ricerca, which is one of the largest
in Europe, and the Sincrotrone Elettra, which is the International Centre
for Physical Theory. There are several others as well as the University
which was erected in the 1920’s under Fascist rule.
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