Lanterna di Trieste

Lanterna di Trieste is a decommissioned lighthouse standing at the tip of Molo Fratelli Bandiera, on the western edge of Trieste, right at the entrance to the old harbour. The 33-metre tower, shaped like a slightly tapering Doric column, is one of the waterfront's most recognisable landmarks and a favourite spot for evening strolls among locals and visitors alike.

How do you get there?

Molo Fratelli Bandiera is within easy walking distance of central Trieste and the famous Piazza Unità d'Italia — just a short walk along the waterfront. The pier is open to the public along its full length, so all you need to do is walk to its far end to stand right at the base of the lighthouse. It's one of those Trieste sights that doesn't require a separate trip; it pairs naturally with a walk through the historic centre.

What will you see there?

The lighthouse takes the form of a slender, gently tapering Doric column and dominates the entrance to the old port. The current structure was commissioned by the city's governor, Carlo Zinzendorf, designed by architect Matteo Pertsch, and entered service on 11 February 1833. It replaced an earlier lighthouse built in the mid-18th century on the orders of Empress Maria Theresa. The maritime history of this particular stretch of coast goes back much further still — the site was already used for signalling ships in Roman times, and the remains of a Roman-era lighthouse on the Zucco rock were reportedly visible until the late 17th century.

The lighthouse itself was taken out of active service on 25 November 1969 and is now listed as "inactive" by the Italian Hydrographic Institute. Since 1992, it has housed the Trieste branch of the Lega Navale Italiana (Italian Naval League) — so while it no longer guides ships into port, the building remains a living part of the city's maritime tradition rather than a silent monument.

The pier on which the lighthouse stands offers wide views over the Gulf of Trieste, the harbour traffic, and the city rising on the hills behind the waterfront. It's a popular spot for anyone looking for a quiet vantage point over the water, away from the bustle of the centre.

When is the best time to visit?

The lighthouse and pier are accessible year-round, and a walk along the waterfront works at any time of day. In the evening, around sunset, the view over the gulf and the city lights draws a particularly large number of visitors. Keep in mind that Trieste is known for the bora, a strong wind that hits exposed waterfront piers especially hard — on windy days, a walk out to the tip of the pier can be a genuinely bracing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lanterna still an active lighthouse? No. It was decommissioned on 25 November 1969 and is currently listed as inactive.

What is the building used for today? Since 1992, it has housed the Trieste branch of the Lega Navale Italiana, an Italian sailing organisation.

How old is the current lighthouse? The present structure opened on 11 February 1833, replacing an earlier lighthouse from the mid-18th century built under Empress Maria Theresa.

Is this the same lighthouse as the Faro della Vittoria? No. The Lanterna is a separate, much older structure on the harbour pier, while the Faro della Vittoria is a large lighthouse-monument on the Gretta hill, built in a different location for a different purpose.