WHY TRIESTE IS CALLED
"THE CITY OF WIND"
THE BORA PHENOMENON
Trieste is famous not only for its sea and historic cafés, but also for something wild and powerful: the Bora wind. This strong, cold wind has helped shape the architecture, attitude, and even the mythology of the city. Whether you visit in winter or just catch a breezy afternoon, understanding the Bora means understanding Trieste.
What Is the Bora?
The Bora is a katabatic wind that blows from the northeast, rushing down from the Dinaric Alps to the Adriatic Sea. It’s known for its sudden gusts, which can reach over 100 km/h (62 mph), and its bone-chilling cold, especially in winter. But it can also appear in lighter, dry summer versions known as Bora chiara.
How the Bora Shapes Trieste
• Urban planning: Streets are often laid out to block or channel the Bora. Buildings have heavy shutters, anchored balconies, and reinforced windows.
• Everyday life: Locals walk with a lean, holding onto poles or railings when the wind is strong. It’s part of city lore that “you’re not a real Triestino until the Bora knocks you over”.
• Sailing: The Bora is both feared and respected by sailors. It’s a key player in Trieste’s deep maritime traditions, especially in events like the Barcolana Regatta.
Where to Experience the Bora
• Molo Audace: One of the windiest spots in town, and also one of the most scenic. Bring a jacket, and maybe skip the umbrella.
• Barcola Promenade: Walk here when the Bora blows and you’ll witness waves crashing dramatically over the seawall.
• San Giusto Hill: Higher up means stronger gusts. The views are worth it, but hold onto your hat!
Travel Tips for Bora Season
• Pack layers: Even when sunny, the Bora can make temperatures feel much colder.
• Windproof everything: Jackets, scarves, hats, secure them tightly.
• Stay flexible: Some outdoor events or ferries may be canceled during a strong Bora episode.
• Check forecasts: Locals follow the Bora closely; some even plan their day around it.
The Myth of the Bora Wind
Trieste doesn’t just experience the Bora: it tells stories about it.
According to local legend, the Bora was once a jealous and wild female spirit, who fell in love with a young man from the Karst plateau. When he chose another woman instead, the Bora, furious and heartbroken, rushed down the cliffs with icy rage, howling and breaking trees as she went.
Ever since, she returns regularly to cry and scream across the city, sweeping through Trieste with her furious wind. That’s why, the story goes, she’s strongest on San Giusto Hill, where she hopes to glimpse the man who rejected her love.
This legend, passed down for generations, adds a poetic layer to an otherwise meteorological phenomenon. In Trieste, even the weather has drama.
Cultural Symbol & City Identity
• In literature and art: The Bora appears in poems, novels, and paintings as both menace and muse.
• In language: Triestini talk about the Bora like an old neighbor, annoying but deeply familiar.
• In daily life: You’ll see metal handrails called corrimani della Bora, especially near the sea, installed to help pedestrians during heavy gusts.
The Bora isn’t just a wind, it’s a character, a challenge, and a storyteller. It shapes Trieste’s architecture, culture, and even its legends. Whether you experience a light breeze or a full-force gale, you’ll remember your encounter with the Bora. Because here, wind doesn’t just blow: it defines the city.