People love Trieste for its squares and coffee, but its real treasure is its stories. For a century the city was the empire’s window to the sea, drawing merchants, bankers and people of ideas from all over Europe.

Maria Theresa’s quarter

The empress never lived in Trieste, yet a new quarter grew by the canal under her — still called Borgo Teresiano. And the silver Maria Theresa thaler became money for half the world.

Freemasons and secret societies

The free port attracted secret societies too. Their traces are on the façades: compasses, squares, symbols in the ornaments. You just need to know where to look.

How to see this Trieste

We offer three signature walks: “Secrets of Trieste”, “Freemasons and secret societies” and “A walk with Maria Theresa” with a photo session. Private, in English or Russian.

FAQ

Good for a first visit?

Yes — you see the main sights and learn their stories.

How long?

About two hours.

Group size?

Just your group, up to 10 people.