The Opicina was a Tram+Funicular Railway that linked the city to Villa Opicina. It started in 1902 and ran from Piazza Oberdan to Opicina, a hill top town 5 km away. Tickets were easily bought from a Tabaccheria – a shop that sells everything including bus/tram tickets. #OnlyInItaly. However, due to an accident, the Opicina Tram is no longer in operation since 2016. (During the time this blog post was written, the tram was still working._
Opicina Tram, Trieste
The tram was a wonderful way to see the port city of Trieste. It crossed the city’s many streets and houses its tires screeched several times as it got pushed uphill. The tram went front and back to change tracks (the tram to funicular track) and that was quite an experience!
When I was there, I befriended a lady who told me she regularly traveled in the tram. She even advised me to sit on the left side of the window for a spectacular view.
Opicina Tram, Trieste
Opicina Tram, Trieste
I was blown away!
Trieste looked absolutely mind blowing with the minuscule red houses and the expansive Adriatic sea!! As the tram kept moving up, you could see a clear view of the port city. The Obelisk was the last stop from where Trieste’s panoramic splendor could be enjoyed best.
Opicina Tram, Trieste
Opicina Tram, Trieste
Opicina Tram, Trieste
The Opicina tram reminded me of a bygone era. I wish it still existed.
63 Comments
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April 11, 2018 at 8:39 pm[…] A Historic Ride on the Opicina Tram in Trieste […]
Of San Marco, Joyce, Svevo and Plenty More | From London to Longoio (and Lucca and Beyond) Part Two
January 5, 2016 at 2:56 pm[…] Re-reading my own post on Trieste at https://longoio2.wordpress.com/2015/04/29/seaview-trieste-style/ prompts me to catch the first train there as the city is such a magical place. I would definitely take the famous Opicina tramway. again marvellously described by Ishita Sood at https://ishitasood.wordpress.com/2015/11/18/a-historic-ride-on-the-opicina-tram-in-trieste/ […]
Anandan Iyer
December 28, 2015 at 5:54 pmYour marvellous blog tempts me to plan my trip to Trieste soon! The beautiful description of your tram experience, the place and the splendid clicks leaves me spellbound. The beauty of the place makes me think how beautiful God has created this world. Thanks for introducing us to such an eye-striking place.
Ishita
December 28, 2015 at 6:33 pmThank you Anandan 🙂 that is so sweet of you. I feel floored. Hope you can visit it someday.
aFrankAngle
December 25, 2015 at 5:39 amI’m glad this post was on the email about your visit to my blog. I’m American, but born in Trieste. I haven’t been there since 1964, and I know it’s in my heart to return. Many thanks for the journey … and Merry Christmas … I consider this post a present to me. 🙂
You may enjoy this post I did a few years ago https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2011/05/04/thank-you-elsa-for-your-trieste-story/
Ishita
December 25, 2015 at 8:18 amI really hope you get to visit soon, I think it’s your Xmas present from Santa then! Buon natale! thank you so much. Will just read your post 🙂
aFrankAngle
December 25, 2015 at 9:52 pmBuon Natale!
JoHanna Massey
December 9, 2015 at 6:32 pmAn excellent enticement to visit. So well presented. Thank you.
Ishita
December 9, 2015 at 9:35 pmYou will enjoy, hope you make it soon
KIOSK the Weblog at Luxury Traveler
December 4, 2015 at 10:13 pmThis is so nicely done, every visit a pleasure Jeff M
Ishita
December 5, 2015 at 5:32 pmThank you so much Jeff 🙂
c_in_b
November 26, 2015 at 1:23 amThanks for the like of Beautiful Blue Danube. I’m glad you discovered the Opicina Tram. We started our life on the rode with two months in Trieste. The tram was put back in service while we wee there , before then we had to take a bus. Morris’ book, Trieste and the meaning of Nowhere was inspirational. We even found out that the stray cat rescue center was found in the courtyard of the hospital around the corner from us. Cheers
Ishita
November 26, 2015 at 11:06 amI love the book and the place. You are welcome. Loved that post of yours 🙂 Cheers!
muirgeilt
November 24, 2015 at 9:45 pmLovely photos, and I’m happily familiar with that view. The walk along the Strada Napoleonica is gorgeous, just as the tram trip is. I moved here almost 3 years ago and have never regretted it. The city is small enough to be comfortable and large enough to feel like a city, and so very walkable. When the bora blows, have some coffee inside.
Ishita
November 25, 2015 at 9:39 amThank you for your lovely thoughts all the way from Trieste. If I am ever there, il give you a ping 😉 I loved Trieste and would love to come back.
muirgeilt
November 25, 2015 at 4:33 pmYou’d be most welcome! I hope you’ll be able to return someday.
Ishita
November 25, 2015 at 5:24 pmI hope too, cara.
Lata Sunil
November 24, 2015 at 6:56 amBeautiful pictures.
Ishita
November 24, 2015 at 9:51 amThanks Lata. So nice to see you here 🙂
timelessitaly
November 23, 2015 at 11:39 pmI love your photos…I would have lingered on the other side of the train too just to breath it all in:)
Ishita
November 24, 2015 at 9:52 amThanks Susan 🙂
David Lester
November 23, 2015 at 8:03 pmHello,I read your post and commented, and now I am thinking to add something to my comment..Have you been to Croatia? From Trieste you cut across a tiny piece of Slovenia and then you are there!Croatia is really nice! Cheaper. And kind of non touristy.. in a way. We just attended a truffle festival in a small village famous for white truffles and more.. I wrote about the truffle festival and if you go to my blog and back up a few posts you will see info. I think you would like it a lot judging from your blog.Keep writing.my blog ishttp://whatfillsmyplate.blogspot.it/
Dave LesterDue Carrare, Italy
Ishita
November 24, 2015 at 9:54 amI have never been to Croatia but I hope to visit someday. I saw Pula is a fascinating town. Thanks for commenting, Dave 🙂 Il check your blog too!
priyankamahajan26
November 19, 2015 at 11:15 amAwesome pictures…
Ishita
November 19, 2015 at 11:44 amThanks PM 🙂
PostcardZ from Victoria
November 19, 2015 at 10:01 amLove the view–isn’t it fun to explore these “alternate” ways to get around and see the sites? Funiculars are terrific!
Ishita
November 19, 2015 at 10:07 amIt really is 🙂 I love these offbeat things to do!
Darlene
November 19, 2015 at 2:43 amSounds like fun!!
Ishita
November 19, 2015 at 7:38 amIt was Darlene 🙂
Lyn
November 19, 2015 at 12:41 amWow. How fabulous. The best way to experience a place is with the locals. Your photos are beautiful.
Ishita
November 19, 2015 at 7:38 amThanks for your appreciation as always Lyn. Its a wonderful town 🙂
Manja Mexi Movie
November 19, 2015 at 12:25 amI’ve lived in Ljubljana, about 100 km away, all my life till 2.5 years ago, and yet I’ve never taken this tram or took a photo of Trieste from this high. Thank you!
Ishita
November 19, 2015 at 7:39 amReally, how cool and lucky! Next time? 😉 Always welcome
ravenhawksmagazine
November 19, 2015 at 12:24 amReblogged this on ravenhawks' magazine and commented:
Beautiful Photos
Ishita
November 19, 2015 at 7:39 amThank you!
lonza65
November 19, 2015 at 12:09 amIt is a cog railway, actually. Next time, enjoy the 3.5k walk from the Obelisk to the village of Prosecco, along the so-called “Napoleonica”, at sunset. Breath-taking views on the Gulf galore!
Ishita
November 19, 2015 at 7:40 amThank you for the tip and the info! I had to go to the village but it was too windy after some time. I may go to Trieste just for this tram and coffee 😉
lonza65
November 19, 2015 at 2:25 pmYou’re welcome! And don’t be afraid about windy weather. The most common feature of Trieste is “bora”, a very fast wind that may reach 130 km/h (average speed is 70-80), you can’t say you know Trieste until you experience some bora days (people use to say that bora is born in Senj, gets married in Rijeka and dies in Trieste). Ciao!
Ishita
November 19, 2015 at 2:33 pmHaha, how interesting this is! I experienced a lot of “bora” there 😀
lonza65
November 19, 2015 at 2:41 pmVery well! you’re on the right track to become a true “triestina”. Next step, have lunch here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/20/travel/20Bite.html?_r=0
Ishita
November 19, 2015 at 9:50 pmThank you so much . I love the name 😉 triestina! Il check the link. Do you stay in Trieste?
Ishita
November 20, 2015 at 9:47 amI checked the place and I am surely visiting it next time 😉
Francis
November 18, 2015 at 10:01 pmHow wonderful! Trieste is a beautiful city and when I return there I’ll definitely try out this tram.
Ishita
November 18, 2015 at 10:10 pmThank you Francis. Do you not stay in Italy? Have you been to Trieste?
baywoodgallery.com
November 18, 2015 at 9:55 pmoops, I meant to say “soothing to my soul.”
baywoodgallery.com
November 18, 2015 at 9:54 pmAgain, your travel is so important to me as an artist, “soothing to my sour.” Thank you for sharing.
Ishita
November 18, 2015 at 10:11 pmI got it 😉 I really appreciate you coming here and saying that. Many thanks!
Alok Singhal
November 18, 2015 at 9:00 pmA trip of a lifetime? Beautiful images!
Ishita
November 18, 2015 at 9:20 pmHaha. Maybe Alok but many more to come 🙂
Ishita
November 18, 2015 at 9:20 pmThank you 🙂
TravelsWithRae
November 18, 2015 at 8:42 pmWow… and what made you decide to go there if I may ask? I mean because it is kind of off the beaten track as they say.The city looks beautiful. Is it a city that can be easily walked, or do you need to use public transportation?
Ishita
November 18, 2015 at 9:19 pmCiao Rae 🙂 I decided to visit it when I saw some pictures of its “Grand Canal” 😉 Its totally a walking town with Austrian and Hungarian history. Very stylish place. You will like it.
rebbit7
November 18, 2015 at 7:53 pmGreat scenic photos! Might consider doing this when I decide to visit there. 🙂
Ishita
November 18, 2015 at 7:58 pmThank you 🙂 You must go. Trieste is not a city that travelers to Italy visit really but I hope it changes soon
Andrew Petcher
November 18, 2015 at 7:13 pmDefinitely on my to do list!
Ishita
November 18, 2015 at 7:16 pmIts worth the effort!
lindaravello
November 18, 2015 at 7:03 pmOh wow, my list just keeps getting longer, you must stop lol x
Ishita
November 18, 2015 at 7:07 pm😀 😀 I am glad I am making the list longer, its fun!
lindaravello
November 18, 2015 at 7:48 pmYou get a mention in my latest post x
Ishita
November 18, 2015 at 7:57 pmThat is so sweet <3 I just read it and makes me feel so good. Thank you!
Tanja
November 18, 2015 at 7:02 pmgreat photos! I’ve never heard of this tram and I’ve passed thru Trieste many times!
Ishita
November 18, 2015 at 7:06 pmThanks Tanja 🙂 You must visit the next time then!
Tanja
November 18, 2015 at 7:11 pmYes