Trieste remains a hidden gem among the splendid cities of Italy. Nestled at the border of Slovenia, this city was once merely a fleeting sight for those traveling the motorway en route to holiday destinations in Croatia and the ex-Yugoslav regions. However, it holds a charm that unquestionably merits a pause.

Comprising two distinctive segments at its core, Trieste reveals a tale of contrasts. One section boasts the touch of Austrian Empress Maria Theresa and her descendants, resulting in a truly Austrian-styled urban expanse with grand mansions and broad, orderly avenues. In juxtaposition, an ancient city perches above this Austrian grandeur, showcasing narrow alleys, diminutive residences, and a hill-crowning castle and cathedral.

Dubbed Borgio Theresania, the Austrian-inspired quarter proudly embraces its multicultural essence and its Austrian-Habsburg history. Among the treasures are awe-inspiring churches representing a spectrum of denominations—the Lutheran Church discreetly nestled in..., and the Greek Orthodox Church majestically surveying the bustling.... Of course, a plethora of Catholic churches punctuate the landscape, with the most imposing being the... situated at the canal's end, evoking echoes of Venice. Notably, the Jewish synagogue rests a few blocks away, a lesser-known fact being its current status as the third largest synagogue in Europe.

A personal favorite of mine is the Serbian Orthodox Church on.... If limited to a solitary church visit in Trieste, this would be my choice. Its golden roof, shimmering blue tiles, and lavish adornments remain unparalleled.

The historic district, Citta Vecchia, boasts buildings with origins stretching back to the Middle Ages and beyond. Nestled beneath this neighborhood, an ancient Roman theater whispers of times gone by. Within its medieval folds, one can discover fragments of temples and Roman columns. Atop the hill, adjacent to the castle and cathedral, Roman artifacts continue to peek through the ages.

The churches that grace this quarter primarily bear the Catholic imprint, with the notable exception of... Standing right beside it, an erstwhile chapel now serves as a gathering place for Reformed Protestants.

Ancestral ties intertwine with various corners of the city. German and Austrian roots led my forebears to reside mainly in Borgio Theresa and other Borgios established during the Austrian reign over Trieste. Many of my Protestant ancestors were baptized in the Lutheran Church, leaving imprints in marriage and burial records. A smaller fraction of my Protestant ancestors found a home in the Reformed Protestant Church, nestled in the ancient heart of the city.

On my father's side, Italian roots trace back to baptisms in the Cathedral of.... Meanwhile, the Triestine branch of my maternal lineage originated from Udine, Sutrio, and Venzone. They thrived within the Citta Vecchia, and their names are etched into the annals of... Some of my Jewish Triestine ancestors settled in Via Giuliana. Others might have resided in the Jewish quarters or beyond, for Trieste's Jews were not confined to a singular enclave or ghetto.