The capital city of the region Friuli Venezia Giulia, wedged in between sea and mountains, exhibits numerous testimonies of its medieval origin: the Roman basilica, the fortress, and the cathedral, whose apse is decorated with precious mosaics. The city’s younger history, its Habsburg tradition as well as its legendary cosmopolite flair are recognizable in the city centre, where elegant, neo-classical buildings and palaces in the Jugendstil flank the streets and churches of different confessions. It only takes you a few minutes by bus to visit the Romantic, fable-like Miramare castle. It is surrounded by glamorous parks and the clear water of the natural maritime reserves, which are under WWF protection. Nearby Trieste you can also visit the “Grotta Gigante”, the world’s biggest grotto open to public. A further sight is Muggia, a fascinating, Istrian city, whose centre is surrounded by the ruins of the medieval city walls.