Historic Trieste: Piazza Unità, Borgo Teresiano and Canal Grande

If you have little time and want to get to know Trieste, this is the most effective route: Piazza Unità d’Italia (the city’s “living room,” open to the sea) and then Borgo Teresiano, with the Canal Grande, Trieste’s only navigable canal. It’s a route entirely on foot, full of charming views, elegant buildings and Central European atmosphere.

Recommended itinerary (easy and beautiful)

• Start: Piazza Unità d’Italia
  Stop for a few minutes: this is where you immediately understand Trieste’s relationship with the sea.
• On to Borgo Teresiano and Canal Grande
  The canal was created from the reclaimed area of the former salt pans: today it is one of the most photographed spots.
• Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Nuovo
  You’ll find it “at the end” of the Canal Grande: it’s one of the neighborhood’s visual landmarks.
• San Spiridione (Canal Grande area)
  If you love architecture and details, it’s worth at least a stop from the outside (and, if open, inside too).

Duration and tips

• Duration: 1.5–3 hours with photo/coffee stops.
• When to go: in the evening it’s magical for the lights in the square; by day it’s perfect for shopping and photos along the canal.