Family Adventure in Trieste: Exploring History and Culture

A Day of Art and Literary Wanderings in Trieste

Today was a deep dive into the artistic and literary heart of Trieste. From exploring modern art to paying homage to a local literary giant and admiring grand fountains, it was a day filled with beauty and contemplation. Ethan was especially excited for the promise of a special treat from La Bottega Incantata.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at L’antiquario. It’s a charming spot, and Olivia enjoyed her cappuccino while Ethan devoured a pastry with gusto. I appreciated the strong coffee, fueling me up for a day of exploration. It’s amazing how these little local spots add so much to the travel experience. I am always eager to try the local cuisine when travelling, and this quaint spot was perfect.


Discover authentic Italian cuisine at L'antiquario in Trieste – where every dish is crafted with passion and tradition.

First on our itinerary was the Revoltella Museum. This modern art gallery is housed in a stunning palazzo, once owned by Baron Pasquale Revoltella. The baron bequeathed his palace and art collection to the city of Trieste in 1872, turning his home into an art institution. As we wandered through the rooms, we were captivated by the diverse collection of 19th and 20th-century paintings and sculptures. Ethan, surprisingly, was quite engaged, pointing out his favorite pieces and asking thoughtful questions. It's moments like these that make traveling with family so rewarding.


Explore the Revoltella Museum in Trieste, a treasure trove of modern art and local history, set in a stunning architectural masterpiece.

The museum itself is a work of art. The building was expanded with the adjacent Brunner Palace, and the renovations were overseen by the architect Carlo Scarpa. The panoramic terrace on the sixth floor offered breathtaking views of Trieste and the sea, and we spent a good while up there just taking it all in. I snapped some photos, trying to capture the beauty of the city from that vantage point. The blend of architectural styles and the vibrant blue of the Adriatic created a stunning panorama.

“The life of the artist is a continuous battle to avoid being overwhelmed by the world.”

Leaving the Revoltella Museum, we strolled towards Piazza Hortis to find the Statue of Italo Svevo. Svevo, a native of Trieste, is one of Italy's most important modernist writers. The statue, created by Nino Spagnoli, depicts Svevo with a hat and book in hand, on his way to the Civic Library. I’ve been wanting to see this statue since I read about it before our trip. It was really inspiring to see a tribute to one of the city's literary icons.


Explore the Statue of Italo Svevo in Trieste - a cultural landmark that celebrates literary genius amidst stunning surroundings.

We spent a few moments admiring the statue and reflecting on Svevo's contributions to literature. I read aloud a quote from his novel *La Coscienza di Zeno* inscribed on the statue's base: *“La vita non è né brutta né bella, ma è originale!”* (Life is neither ugly nor beautiful, but it is original!). It seemed to capture the essence of Trieste itself – a city with a unique and complex history, blending Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences. I shared with Ethan a bit about Svevo’s life and works, hoping to inspire him to explore more literature as he grows older. Olivia, ever the pragmatist, was more interested in finding a nearby gelato shop.

Our next stop was the Fountain of the Four Continents in Piazza Unità d'Italia. This elaborate fountain, created by Giovanni Battista Mazzoleni between 1751 and 1754, is a symbol of Trieste's prosperity as a port city. The fountain features statues representing Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, each accompanied by an animal representing their continent. The winged figure at the center embodies the hospitality of the port city. We took some pictures, marveling at the intricate details of the sculptures. The fountain was commissioned to celebrate Trieste being granted a free port status.


Discover the Fountain of the Four Continents in Trieste, a majestic monument celebrating unity with stunning sculptures and a vibrant atmosphere.

It's fascinating to think about the history of this fountain. It was removed in 1938 to make way for a stage during Benito Mussolini's visit and wasn't returned to the square until the 1970s. Even then, it was moved slightly from its original location. In 2000, it was finally returned to its central position. The fountain has faced vandalism over the years; only the statue representing Europe has remained undamaged. The statue of Africa was even decapitated in 2008. Despite these challenges, the fountain remains a powerful symbol of Trieste's identity and resilience.

After our dose of history and art, we decided to indulge in some retail therapy. We ventured into La Bottega Incantata, a charming shop that Ethan had been looking forward to all day. It’s a magical place filled with toys and games. Ethan was in awe, his eyes wide with wonder. After much deliberation, he finally chose a small wooden puzzle, promising to work on it every day of our trip. Olivia picked up a small handcrafted toy for her niece, and I found a unique postcard to add to my collection. It's these little moments of joy that make our trips so special.


Discover La Bottega Incantata in Trieste - a charming collectibles store with unique dresses and whimsical novelties that capture Italy's enchanting spirit.

For lunch, we headed to Alla Sorgente. This *trattoria* came highly recommended, and it didn't disappoint. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the pasta dishes were bursting with flavor. Ethan opted for a simple plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce, while Olivia and I shared a *fritto misto*. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, making it the perfect spot to recharge after a busy morning of sightseeing. I was very impressed with the fresh seafood, and Olivia and I enjoyed a glass of local wine.


Discover authentic Italian seafood at Alla Sorgente in Trieste – where tradition meets taste in every dish.

As evening approached, we made our way to NOVO Foraperfora for dinner. This restaurant is known for its innovative cuisine and stylish ambiance. The name “Foraperfora” translates to “in one side and out the other” in the local dialect. The restaurant has a modern, minimalist decor, and the menu features a creative twist on traditional dishes. We decided to try a few of their signature dishes, and each one was a culinary delight. Ethan even tried a bite of my seared tuna, and surprisingly, he loved it! The helpful waiter recommended the tastiest dishes and wines. The food served here truly deserves all the accolades.


Discover authentic Italian cuisine and local brews at NOVO Foraperfora in Trieste - where every meal is a celebration.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Giants' Stairway, the Trieste Synagogue, and the Railway Museum of Trieste Campo Marzio. We might even sneak in a drink at Harry's Bar Trieste. I’m looking forward to another day of discovery in this fascinating city.

As I sit here writing, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. Trieste has truly captured our hearts, and I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings. I am particularly excited to check out the Railway Museum, as I have always had an interest in trains.