Exploring the Hidden Gems of Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Trieste's Treasures: A Fairytale Castle and a Giant Cave

Today marked the beginning of our Friuli-Venezia Giulia adventure, and what a start it was! Hans and I immersed ourselves in the region's beauty, history, and natural wonders. From the stunning Miramare Castle perched on the Adriatic coast to the depths of the Grotta Gigante, it was a day filled with breathtaking sights and unforgettable moments. I’m already bursting with excitement to share all the details.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Ristorante La Pergola. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and strong Italian coffee filled the air as we settled into our cozy spot. I savored a *cappuccino* and a flaky *cornetto*, while Hans enjoyed an *espresso* and a slice of *torta della nonna*. It was the perfect way to fuel up for our first adventure: Miramare Castle.

As we approached Miramare, the castle's gleaming white facade against the backdrop of the azure sea was a sight to behold. The castle seemed to rise from the very rocks, a testament to the vision of Archduke Maximilian. The manicured gardens surrounding the castle were in full bloom, a riot of colors and scents that made our stroll even more enchanting. We learned that the gardens are free to enter, and I made a mental note that it would be a great place to bring a dog. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of roses and the salty tang of the sea, a combination that perfectly captured the essence of Trieste.


Discover the enchanting Miramare Castle, a historical gem on the Adriatic coast, where opulence meets breathtaking natural beauty.

Exploring the castle itself was like stepping back in time. Each room was meticulously preserved, offering a glimpse into the lives of Maximilian and his wife, Charlotte. The ornate Throne Room, the music room where Carlota once played the piano, and the Duke's private chambers were all testaments to the opulence and grandeur of the Habsburg era. I couldn't help but imagine the lavish balls and intimate gatherings that once took place within those walls. I was particularly drawn to the library, with its towering shelves filled with ancient tomes and the Duke's personal collection of scientific instruments. As a writer, I could easily picture myself spending hours lost in its pages.

The beauty of Miramare Castle lies not only in its architecture and history but also in its seamless integration with the natural landscape, creating a harmonious blend of man-made elegance and natural splendor.

After thoroughly exploring the castle's interior, we ventured into the sprawling park that surrounds it. The park is a botanical marvel, home to a diverse collection of rare and exotic plants and trees that Maximilian himself collected from around the world. We wandered along winding paths, discovering hidden grottos, picturesque ponds, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The park also offered a panoramic view of the Gulf of Trieste, a vantage point that allowed us to fully appreciate the city's stunning coastal setting. We took countless photos, trying to capture the essence of this magical place, but no image could truly do it justice.

As we left Miramare Castle, I couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy. The tragic story of Maximilian and Charlotte, their dreams cut short by political intrigue and personal tragedy, cast a shadow over the castle's beauty. Yet, their legacy lives on in the stunning architecture, the meticulously curated gardens, and the enduring allure of Miramare.

For lunch, we stopped at Trattoria Al Teatro, a charming restaurant in the heart of Trieste. Though the name suggests it's in Udine, we found this gem right here. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with rustic wooden tables, exposed brick walls, and vintage theater posters adorning the walls. We shared a plate of *sardoni in saor*, a traditional Venetian dish of marinated sardines, and a hearty bowl of *jota*, a local bean and sauerkraut soup. The flavors were rich and authentic, a testament to the region's culinary heritage. Hans, ever the wine enthusiast, ordered a bottle of local Friulano, which perfectly complemented our meal. It was a truly satisfying culinary experience, a taste of Trieste's vibrant food scene.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we set off for our next destination: Grotta Gigante. As we drove towards the Karst Plateau, the landscape transformed from coastal scenery to rolling hills and verdant forests. The anticipation grew with each passing mile, as we knew we were about to descend into one of the world's largest caves.

Upon arriving at Grotta Gigante, we were immediately struck by its sheer size. The entrance to the cave is a massive opening in the earth, a gaping maw that seemed to swallow the sunlight. We joined a guided tour and began our descent into the depths of the earth. As we walked deeper into the cave, the temperature dropped noticeably, and the air grew thick with humidity. The only light came from the artificial illumination, which cast eerie shadows on the cave's walls, accentuating its otherworldly features.


Explore the stunning Grotta Gigante, one of the world's largest caves, featuring breathtaking stalactites, guided tours, and a unique underground experience near Trieste.

The scale of Grotta Gigante is simply mind-boggling. The main cavern is so vast that it could easily house St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Stalactites and stalagmites, formed over millions of years, adorned the cave's ceiling and floor, creating a surreal and mesmerizing landscape. Our guide explained the geological processes that shaped the cave, the slow and steady drip of water that created these magnificent formations. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and humility in the face of nature's power and patience.

One of the highlights of our visit was the opportunity to witness a pendulum experiment conducted within the cave. The pendulum, suspended from the cave's ceiling, is used to measure the Earth's rotation. It was a fascinating demonstration of scientific principles in a truly unique setting. As we watched the pendulum swing back and forth, I couldn't help but reflect on the vastness of time and space, the interconnectedness of all things.

Emerging from Grotta Gigante, we felt as though we had traveled to another world. The experience was both exhilarating and humbling, a reminder of the hidden wonders that lie beneath our feet. As we drove back towards Trieste, we marveled at the contrast between the castle's man-made grandeur and the cave's natural majesty. Both were testaments to the beauty and diversity of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Before dinner, we decided to unwind at Gran Caffè Friuli. The cafe was buzzing with locals and tourists alike, all eager to savor the cafe's famous coffee and pastries. I ordered a *capo in b*, a local specialty consisting of a macchiato served in a glass, while Hans opted for a classic *espresso*. We sat at a table outside, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and watching the world go by. It was the perfect way to relax and reflect on our day's adventures.


Discover the authentic flavors of Italy at Gran Caffè Friuli, where exquisite coffee and local wines create a perfect blend of culture and taste.

Our day concluded with a memorable dinner at Trattoria Da Catine. Located a bit outside of Trieste, the drive was more than worth it. This *trattoria* is known for its authentic Friulian cuisine and its warm, family-friendly atmosphere. We started with a platter of *prosciutto di San Daniele*, a local delicacy that melts in your mouth. For our main courses, I chose the *frico*, a crispy cheese and potato dish, while Hans savored the *gnocchi di zucca*, pumpkin dumplings in a sage butter sauce. The flavors were simple yet exquisite, a celebration of the region's fresh, seasonal ingredients. The *trattoria* itself had a very homey feel, and if we weren't so tired from a day of adventuring, I could have spent hours there. As we savored our *dolci*, we reminisced about our day's adventures, the stunning castle, the awe-inspiring cave, and the delicious food we had savored along the way.


Experience authentic Northern Italian cuisine at Trattoria Da Catine in San Daniele del Friuli – where tradition meets flavor.

As I sit here writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we had today. Friuli-Venezia Giulia has already exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. We're planning a trip to Parco Naturale Dolomiti Friulane and Castello di San Giusto, and I'm sure it will be another day filled with beauty, history, and unforgettable moments. And perhaps a bit of shopping at Palmanova Outlet Village!

I am so happy to be able to share these experiences with all of you. Traveling with Hans makes it even more special. His enthusiasm for history, his love of good food and wine, and his unwavering support make every adventure even more memorable. As I reflect on our first day in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, I am filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the days to come. This region has so much to offer, and I can't wait to explore every corner of it. Stay tuned for more updates from our Italian adventure!

I almost forgot to mention! I learned that the Amerigo Vespucci ship will be in Trieste next March as part of the Barcolana Special Edition. It's the first stop in Italian waters after its world tour, and there will even be a maritime parade. I'm definitely adding that to my calendar!