Kat Smith, a well-traveled individual with extensive experience exploring Italy, has chosen to make an uncommonly visited city her home. Over the past 13 years, Kat has journeyed across various regions, but it is in Trieste that she has settled for the last two and a half years, a city that is gradually gaining popularity among tourists.
Trieste witnessed a notable surge in overnight stays, surpassing 1.5 million in 2024 from around 700,000 in 2021, indicating a rising trend of tourist interest. This growth contrasts with the 29 million overnight stays recorded in Rome last year.
Having explored numerous destinations within Italy, Kat shared her affinity for Trieste, emphasizing its unique charm. The city’s architecture, culinary offerings, and local dialect set it apart from other Italian locales. Trieste exudes a distinct ambiance, drawing parallels to Vienna rather than Rome, especially evident around Piazza Unità and Via Carducci. The fusion of Sacher cakes alongside traditional croissants and the influence of Slovenian culture on road signs add to the city’s eclectic appeal.
Locals in Trieste often identify themselves as Triestino first and Italian second, reflecting the city’s historical significance as the Free State of Trieste post-World War II. The city’s strong bond with the sea, evident in daily rituals of admiring sunsets over the Adriatic, underscores its allure. Trieste’s proximity to neighboring countries like Slovenia adds to its cosmopolitan character, blending Austrian architectural influences with a vibrant coastal lifestyle.
With its distinct cultural heritage and scenic coastal views, Trieste offers a unique experience for residents and visitors alike, making it a hidden gem in Italy worth exploring.