THE JEWISH HERITAGE OF TRIESTE
WHAT TO SEE
Trieste has long been one of Italy’s most important Jewish cultural centers. Its Jewish community played a vital role in the city’s intellectual and economic life, particularly during the Austro-Hungarian period. Today, its legacy is visible in synagogues, museums, cemeteries, and quiet courtyards echoing with centuries of history.
The Great Synagogue of Trieste
The Synagogue of Trieste, completed in 1912, is one of the largest in Europe. It’s a striking architectural landmark with:
• Romanesque and Oriental design elements
• An elegant domed ceiling, massive menorahs, and decorative marble
• A sense of scale and beauty rarely seen in synagogues outside major capitals
Location: Via San Francesco d’Assisi, 19
Note: It’s still an active place of worship and can be visited with guided tours. Book in advance.
Jewish Museum “Carlo and Vera Wagner”
Located in the former Jewish hospital and refugee agency, this small but meaningful museum tells the story of Trieste’s Jewish past. Exhibits include:
• Ritual silverware and textiles
• Historical documents from the 17th to 20th century
• Stories of Jewish refugees fleeing through Trieste during WWII
Location: Via del Monte, 5/7
Languages: Exhibits are in Italian and English; guided tours available
The Former Jewish Ghetto
In the 17th century, Jews were confined to a small area near what is now Via del Monte and Via delle Beccherie. Today, the neighborhood blends into the city’s fabric, but you can still find:
• Small plaques marking historic homes and shops
• Quiet courtyards where synagogues and schools once stood
Walking through this district offers a subtle but profound glimpse into Trieste’s layered identity.
The Jewish Cemetery
Trieste’s Jewish Cemetery, located on the slopes of San Giusto hill, includes ornate tombstones and family mausoleums dating back to the 1700s. Many notable figures, including members of the Morpurgo and Vivante families, are buried here. The cemetery is peaceful and reflective, perfect for understanding the deep roots of the community.
Holocaust Memory: Risiera di San Sabba
Originally a rice factory, the Risiera di San Sabba was converted into a Nazi detention camp during World War II. It became a site of imprisonment, torture, and deportation; many Jews passed through here on their way to Auschwitz.
Now a national memorial and museum, it is a stark and sobering reminder of the atrocities suffered by Trieste’s Jewish population.
Location: Via Giovanni Palatucci, 5
Entry: Free; multilingual exhibits available
Jewish heritage in Trieste is not just a footnote: it’s a defining thread in the city’s history. Whether you’re exploring grand synagogues or intimate museums, wandering former ghettos or visiting places of remembrance, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of Trieste’s resilience, complexity, and cultural richness.