Muggia
By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 30 December 2023
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Situated just south of Trieste, the seaside town of Muggia is something of a geographical quirk. It's just about as far away as you can get from the main body of the Italian peninsula on the mainland, just four kilometres from the border with Slovenia.
It also sits at the northern tip of the Istrian Peninsula which is almost entirely in Croatia, itself only around 30 kilometres away from Muggia. With the confluence of so many international borders, it's easy to understand how this part of the world has been scrapped over throughout history. |
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Historic Muggia
Founded as far back as the seventh century BC, Muggia later came under the auspices of the Venetian Republic in 1420. Much of what can be seen in the town centre today hails from that period, along with remnants from the period of Austrian rule which started from 1797.
These diverse historical periods and cultures have left an idelible, yet very attractive legacy in Muggia. Much of the town's architecture has a distinctly un-Italian feel, particularly so in the case of its main church: Muggia Cathedral. The Duomo and its accompanying bell tower are situated on the pretty Piazza Guglielmo Marconi; one of the best places in the town for a bite to eat at an open-air restaurant.
The medieval centre of Muggia is a fascinating tangle of historic buildings and tight walkways. The most famous building in this part of town is the 14th century Castello di Muggia which looks out over the port and across the Gulf of Trieste to the regional capital.
These diverse historical periods and cultures have left an idelible, yet very attractive legacy in Muggia. Much of the town's architecture has a distinctly un-Italian feel, particularly so in the case of its main church: Muggia Cathedral. The Duomo and its accompanying bell tower are situated on the pretty Piazza Guglielmo Marconi; one of the best places in the town for a bite to eat at an open-air restaurant.
The medieval centre of Muggia is a fascinating tangle of historic buildings and tight walkways. The most famous building in this part of town is the 14th century Castello di Muggia which looks out over the port and across the Gulf of Trieste to the regional capital.
Travel options
From the port you can take a ferry to and from Trieste during the summer months, or simply settle down at one of the excellent fish restaurants here. Head west from the port and the promenade is a popular bathing spot which eventually leads up to a larger marina.
Outside of the summer months when the ferries to Trieste are unavailable, the best way to reach Muggia is by road. International travellers can take advantage of Trieste Airport which is a 45 minute drive away, a distance of just over 50 kilometres.
Outside of the summer months when the ferries to Trieste are unavailable, the best way to reach Muggia is by road. International travellers can take advantage of Trieste Airport which is a 45 minute drive away, a distance of just over 50 kilometres.
Comune di Muggia
Territory: UTI Giuliana
Region: Friuli Venezia Giulia Population: 12,916 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Size: 13 km² Highlights: Castello di Muggia, marina, Muggia Vecchia Close by: Trieste, Gorizia, Palmanova, Udine, Cividale del Friuli Recommended accommodation: Hotel San Rocco |