MENU

Things to do
back

Must-see monuments and museums

Trieste is a city with a wealth of attractions for both children and adults - discover our guide
miramare
One of the top attractions is undoubtedly Miramare Castle, a place where legend and history combine to tell the fable of Princess Charlotte and Imperial Prince Maximilian. It is a fairy tale setting with a castle, a park and wonderful views of the sea.

Miramare is also the ideal place to discover the underwater wonders of the Gulf of Trieste, protected by the Miramare Marine Nature Reserve, which has opened the new Biodiversitario Marino museum in a wing of the former Miramare Stables. This new immersive museum allows adults and children to learn about the underwater environments of the Gulf of Trieste, with over 100 species reproduced in natural size.
san-giusto
Another leading attraction is Trieste's other castle, which dominates San Giusto Hill. Children will enjoy visiting the Captain's House and the weapon-filled armoury and can also play safely in the large courtyard. 

In addition, there is a spectacular view of the entire city of Trieste from the top of the ramparts. The Cathedral of San Giusto (dedicated to the city's patron saint), which was built atop the still-visible foundation of an ancient Roman building, is located next to the castle. The cathedral is an art and archaeology treasure trove. 
teatro-romano
A walk down the narrow streets towards the centre of the city leads to the semicircular Roman Theatre. The must-see Unità d'Italia Square is located nearby. It is the largest square facing the sea in Europe! This is the perfect place for children to safely have fun while their parents take a break at one of the historic cafes, admiring the beautiful buildings on the square.
faro
As a city on the sea, Trieste of course has a beacon to guide ships - Victory Lighthouse has loomed over the city since 1927 and pays tribute to those who died at sea in World War I.

Another must-see attraction is the characteristic Opicina Tram, the only functioning hybrid electric traction and funicular system in all of Europe. Children in particular will find it appealing and fascinating!
musei
But what if it rains??? Not to worry! Trieste offers a variety of museums and indoor spaces where children can still have fun!

The Museum of the Sea (Museo del Mare), for example, covers Trieste's naval history, as well as the evolution of ships and navigation instruments. Models in the museum include Columbus' three caravels! 

The Museum of Natural History (Museo di Storia Naturale) features a display of botanical, zoological, paleontological and mineralogical specimens. It also houses two Egyptian mummies and dinosaur fossils (adrosauroide Antonio, Tethyshadros insularis) found near Trieste. 
musei
The Marine Aquarium (Aquario Marino) offers an opportunity to admire Adriatic marine life as well as tropical fish, a small group of South African penguins, reptiles and amphibians.


The Immaginario Scientifico science centre is perfect for those who like to have fun with science, experiment and explore. This interactive, multimedia science museum offers tours, exhibitions and activities to promote science.

musei
Another great option is the Railway Museum (Museo Ferroviario), where children can pretend to be the station master amidst the old locomotives and models of wagons.

Kids can also let their imaginations run wild among the samurai swords and kimonos in the Oriental Art Museum (Museo d'Arte Orientale), take a walk through nature to discover the more than 600 plants in the Carsiana Botanical Garden (Giardino Botanico Carsiana) and the Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico) of Trieste, or learn about the flora and fauna living in the caves on the Karst plateau at the Speleovivarium.
A final, magical must-see - especially on a hot summer day - is the Grotta Gigante (Giant Cave), the largest tourist cave in the world! It is truly astonishing!