La Lanterna
Trieste's historic lighthouse offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and sea, with a secret restaurant hidden within.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Enjoy the best views
La Lanterna
Best Time
Enjoy the best views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Trieste's historic lighthouse offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and sea, with a secret restaurant hidden within.
"Spectacular view on the city and the sea, even better than the view from San Giusto. Highly recommended!"
🔑 Get the Key for Access
Ask for the key at reception to unlock the upper levels and access the best views. :key:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb involves 145 narrow, sometimes dark steps. Comfortable footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City & Sea Views
Top of La Lanterna
Ascend the 145 steps for breathtaking, unobstructed views of Trieste, its port, and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
Secret Lighthouse Restaurant
One-third of the way up La Lanterna
A hidden dining spot offering a unique culinary experience with stunning vistas, often overlooked by visitors.
Historic Austrian Lighthouse
Trieste
Explore the only Austrian-designed lighthouse in Italy, built in 1830 and inactive since 1969.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climb for Trieste's Best Views
Hidden Gem Dining Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔑 Get the Key for Access
Ask for the key at reception to unlock the upper levels and access the best views. :key:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb involves 145 narrow, sometimes dark steps. Comfortable footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
🚶♂️ Walk from City Center
It's a pleasant walk from the city center and port promenade, totally worth the effort. :walking:
🍽️ Book the Hidden Restaurant
For a unique experience, reserve a table at the restaurant located a third of the way up. :restaurant:
Tips
from all over the internet
🔑 Get the Key for Access
Ask for the key at reception to unlock the upper levels and access the best views. :key:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb involves 145 narrow, sometimes dark steps. Comfortable footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
🚶♂️ Walk from City Center
It's a pleasant walk from the city center and port promenade, totally worth the effort. :walking:
🍽️ Book the Hidden Restaurant
For a unique experience, reserve a table at the restaurant located a third of the way up. :restaurant:
🚫 Avoid if Mobility Issues
The narrow, spiral staircase may be challenging for those with health or mobility concerns. :noentrysign:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise La Lanterna for its spectacular, unobstructed panoramic views of Trieste and the Adriatic Sea, often deeming them superior to other viewpoints. The free entry and the unique, hidden restaurant about a third of the way up are also frequently highlighted as major draws. However, some find the climb up the narrow, steep staircase challenging, and a few feel the exterior or immediate surroundings are unremarkable.
"Don't miss it! Open 10:00-12:00 from Tuesday to Saturday. Free entrance. Ask for the key at the reception (on the left when you enter). The key is for the door after the first 30-40 steps of the stair. Some parts of the spiral staircase are quite dark. Spectacular view on the city and the sea, even better than the view from San Giusto. Highly recommended!"
Peter
"Best view of the city and the port. There's a restaurant about 1/3 of the way up. It is a secret from most of the tourists as there was no one there when we went. Worth the mile or so walk from the city center.
145 steps to the top. Narrow circular staircase. People with health issues should avoid the climb. If is free, and when we went there was no guard or attendant."
AW M
"The 31 metre high old lighthouse of Trieste, constructed in 1830, is the only Austrian-designed lighthouse in Italy (courtesy of the classical architect Matteo Pertsch, who lived out the end of his life in Trieste, dying in 1834 - only a year after the lighthouse went into active use).
Inactive since 1969, it is free to climb the very narrow staircase to the top. There is a hidden restaurant a third of the way up!
If you found my review helpful or interesting please leave a quick thumbs up 👍 Thank you"
Sam Saltwell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Lanterna is located a little over a mile from the city center and port promenade. It's a pleasant walk, or you can consider local transport options.
Parking can be limited in the area surrounding La Lanterna. It's often recommended to park in the city center and walk.
While there isn't direct public transport to the lighthouse itself, you can take buses to the city center and then enjoy a walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to La Lanterna is free! You just need to ask for the key at the reception to access the upper levels.
La Lanterna is typically open from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight) from Tuesday to Saturday.
No booking is required for La Lanterna itself, as entry is free. However, if you plan to dine at the restaurant, reservations are highly recommended.
You can enter the base of La Lanterna freely, but to climb to the top, you'll need to obtain a key from reception during opening hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The climb involves 145 narrow, circular steps. Some sections can be quite dark, so comfortable shoes are a must.
From the top, you'll get spectacular, unobstructed views of the city of Trieste, its port, and the Adriatic Sea. +1
La Lanterna is primarily known for its historical significance as an Austrian-designed lighthouse and its stunning views.
While children can enjoy the views, the narrow and steep staircase might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
Many visitors find the view from La Lanterna to be even better and more expansive than the view from San Giusto.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a unique restaurant located about a third of the way up the lighthouse, offering a dining experience with a view.
It's advisable to book in advance for the restaurant, as it's a hidden gem and can get busy. Contact details can usually be found online or by asking at reception.
The restaurant offers a unique dining experience, often featuring local or Italian-inspired cuisine, with the added bonus of the view.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the top are the main draw for photographers. Capture the city, port, and sea. +1
The narrow staircase can make it tricky to maneuver with a camera, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
Daytime offers the clearest views, but sunset or early evening can provide beautiful lighting for cityscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the climb might be tiring for very young children, the experience of exploring a historic lighthouse and seeing the city from above is often a highlight of a Trieste visit. The free entry also makes it a budget-friendly activity for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
The incredible panoramic views are a priceless reward, offering a high-value experience without the expense of paid attractions. It's a fantastic way to see Trieste and its surroundings without breaking the bank.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
After dinner, or as an alternative, the climb to the top offers stunning vistas, especially during sunset or twilight, providing a perfect backdrop for memorable moments together. The unique setting makes it a truly special outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of La Lanterna
The lighthouse stands at 31 meters tall and served as an active beacon until 1969. Its design reflects the classical architectural influences of its time. While its primary function was maritime navigation, it has evolved into a significant landmark and tourist attraction, offering a unique glimpse into Trieste's past and its connection to the sea.
Today, La Lanterna is more than just a historical monument; it's a destination. The free access to climb its stairs and the presence of a hidden restaurant make it a multifaceted experience. It represents a blend of history, architecture, and modern-day enjoyment, drawing visitors who seek both stunning views and a touch of local charm.
Experiencing the Climb and Views
Upon reaching the top, the reward is immense. The panoramic views are widely considered spectacular, offering an expansive vista of Trieste, its bustling port, and the vast Adriatic Sea. Many visitors rave that the perspective from La Lanterna surpasses even that from the more well-known San Giusto hill.
This vantage point provides an unparalleled opportunity for photography and for simply soaking in the beauty of the region. It's a chance to see the city laid out before you, a truly memorable experience that makes the climb entirely worthwhile.
The Secret Restaurant at La Lanterna
While specific menu details can vary, the restaurant is known for providing a memorable culinary journey, often featuring local or Italian-inspired dishes. The combination of delicious food and the extraordinary setting creates an unforgettable atmosphere. It's recommended to book in advance to secure a table.
This unique dining spot transforms a visit to La Lanterna from a simple sightseeing trip into a complete experience, blending history, views, and gastronomy. It's a perfect option for couples or anyone looking for a romantic and distinctive meal.
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