Since Roman times, Trieste has been a crossroads for Latin, Germanic and Slavic cultures. Today it is known for its impressive 19th century architecture, including many Viennese-style coffee houses, built when it was the fourth most important city in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Admire panoramic Trieste from high up on San Giusto hill, and tour the Duomo with its exquisite 13th century Venetian mosaics. The sprawling Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia, the city’s main square overlooking the Adriatic, is bordered by palazzi and municipal buildings. It is a reminder that this city of winding streets was once an influential political center. Today its power is mainly economic, with international scope.
