The coastline in the furthest edge of Italy seems to fold in on itself: on the bay of Muggia (Trieste) is the town of the same name, an area with Istro-Venetian features where the architecture, dialect, customs and gastronomic traditions reveal its intertwined history with the Venetian Republic.
From the sea, the white Istrian stone and colourful houses of Muggia form a harmonious picture with the verdant karst environment. It is framed by 7km of coastline and a crown of hills that dominate a vast area, both Italian and Istrian.
Before the year 1000, a small town called Borgolauro developed in the valley: this was the setting for the establishment of Muggia in the 13th century. The cathedral and the town hall, rebuilt in the 20th century, date back to this era. High on the promontory overlooking the port, there are traces of even more ancient history: the remains of the proto-historic hillforts of Santa Barbara and Muggia Vecchia, the Romanesque Basilica of Muggia Vecchia (9th century) and the walls are all that is left of a Roman and medieval past. The position offers a magnificent panorama of the gulf of Trieste.
The Castle of Muggia dates originally to the 14th century and once crowned the fortified city walls around the city; it has been remodelled several times over the centuries. The inhabitants of Muggia used its sandstone blocks to build their homes.
There is a special atmosphere to the town, perceptible when walking through the picturesque streets and in splendid piazza Marconi, its beating heart, or watching fishermen work in the Mandracchio.
The Muggia Carnival or "Carneval de Muja", with origins in the classic Venetian tradition and influences from the Istrian peninsula, is a great show that every year offers allegorical floats and colourful masks.
Friuli Venezia Giulia Film Commission
Piazza Duca degli Abruzzi 3 — 34132 Trieste
Phone: +39 040 3720142
Email: filmcommission@promoturismo.fvg.it
