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A Historic Ride on the Opicina Tram in Trieste

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._

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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.

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Opicina Tram, Trieste

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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.

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Opicina Tram, Trieste

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Opicina Tram, Trieste

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Opicina Tram, Trieste

The Opicina tram reminded me of a bygone era. I wish it still existed.

63 Comments

  • […] A Historic Ride on the Opicina Tram in Trieste […]

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  • […] 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/ […]

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  • Anandan Iyer
    December 28, 2015 at 5:54 pm

    Your 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.

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    • Ishita
      December 28, 2015 at 6:33 pm

      Thank you Anandan 🙂 that is so sweet of you. I feel floored. Hope you can visit it someday.

      Reply
  • aFrankAngle
    December 25, 2015 at 5:39 am

    I’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/

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    • Ishita
      December 25, 2015 at 8:18 am

      I 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 🙂

      Reply
  • JoHanna Massey
    December 9, 2015 at 6:32 pm

    An excellent enticement to visit. So well presented. Thank you.

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    • Ishita
      December 9, 2015 at 9:35 pm

      You will enjoy, hope you make it soon

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  • KIOSK the Weblog at Luxury Traveler
    December 4, 2015 at 10:13 pm

    This is so nicely done, every visit a pleasure Jeff M

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    • Ishita
      December 5, 2015 at 5:32 pm

      Thank you so much Jeff 🙂

      Reply
  • c_in_b
    November 26, 2015 at 1:23 am

    Thanks 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

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    • Ishita
      November 26, 2015 at 11:06 am

      I love the book and the place. You are welcome. Loved that post of yours 🙂 Cheers!

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  • muirgeilt
    November 24, 2015 at 9:45 pm

    Lovely 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.

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    • Ishita
      November 25, 2015 at 9:39 am

      Thank 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.

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      • muirgeilt
        November 25, 2015 at 4:33 pm

        You’d be most welcome! I hope you’ll be able to return someday.

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        • Ishita
          November 25, 2015 at 5:24 pm

          I hope too, cara.

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  • Lata Sunil
    November 24, 2015 at 6:56 am

    Beautiful pictures.

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    • Ishita
      November 24, 2015 at 9:51 am

      Thanks Lata. So nice to see you here 🙂

      Reply
  • timelessitaly
    November 23, 2015 at 11:39 pm

    I love your photos…I would have lingered on the other side of the train too just to breath it all in:)

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    • Ishita
      November 24, 2015 at 9:52 am

      Thanks Susan 🙂

      Reply
  • David Lester
    November 23, 2015 at 8:03 pm

    Hello,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

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    • Ishita
      November 24, 2015 at 9:54 am

      I 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!

      Reply
  • priyankamahajan26
    November 19, 2015 at 11:15 am

    Awesome pictures…

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    • Ishita
      November 19, 2015 at 11:44 am

      Thanks PM 🙂

      Reply
  • PostcardZ from Victoria
    November 19, 2015 at 10:01 am

    Love the view–isn’t it fun to explore these “alternate” ways to get around and see the sites? Funiculars are terrific!

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    • Ishita
      November 19, 2015 at 10:07 am

      It really is 🙂 I love these offbeat things to do!

      Reply
  • Darlene
    November 19, 2015 at 2:43 am

    Sounds like fun!!

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    • Ishita
      November 19, 2015 at 7:38 am

      It was Darlene 🙂

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  • Lyn
    November 19, 2015 at 12:41 am

    Wow. How fabulous. The best way to experience a place is with the locals. Your photos are beautiful.

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    • Ishita
      November 19, 2015 at 7:38 am

      Thanks for your appreciation as always Lyn. Its a wonderful town 🙂

      Reply
  • Manja Mexi Movie
    November 19, 2015 at 12:25 am

    I’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!

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    • Ishita
      November 19, 2015 at 7:39 am

      Really, how cool and lucky! Next time? 😉 Always welcome

      Reply
  • ravenhawksmagazine
    November 19, 2015 at 12:24 am

    Reblogged this on ravenhawks' magazine and commented:
    Beautiful Photos

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  • lonza65
    November 19, 2015 at 12:09 am

    It 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!

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    • Ishita
      November 19, 2015 at 7:40 am

      Thank 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 😉

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      • lonza65
        November 19, 2015 at 2:25 pm

        You’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!

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        • Ishita
          November 19, 2015 at 2:33 pm

          Haha, how interesting this is! I experienced a lot of “bora” there 😀

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  • Francis
    November 18, 2015 at 10:01 pm

    How wonderful! Trieste is a beautiful city and when I return there I’ll definitely try out this tram.

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    • Ishita
      November 18, 2015 at 10:10 pm

      Thank you Francis. Do you not stay in Italy? Have you been to Trieste?

      Reply
  • baywoodgallery.com
    November 18, 2015 at 9:55 pm

    oops, I meant to say “soothing to my soul.”

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  • baywoodgallery.com
    November 18, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    Again, your travel is so important to me as an artist, “soothing to my sour.” Thank you for sharing.

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    • Ishita
      November 18, 2015 at 10:11 pm

      I got it 😉 I really appreciate you coming here and saying that. Many thanks!

      Reply
  • Alok Singhal
    November 18, 2015 at 9:00 pm

    A trip of a lifetime? Beautiful images!

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    • Ishita
      November 18, 2015 at 9:20 pm

      Haha. Maybe Alok but many more to come 🙂

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    • Ishita
      November 18, 2015 at 9:20 pm

      Thank you 🙂

      Reply
  • TravelsWithRae
    November 18, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    Wow… 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?

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    • Ishita
      November 18, 2015 at 9:19 pm

      Ciao 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.

      Reply
  • rebbit7
    November 18, 2015 at 7:53 pm

    Great scenic photos! Might consider doing this when I decide to visit there. 🙂

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    • Ishita
      November 18, 2015 at 7:58 pm

      Thank you 🙂 You must go. Trieste is not a city that travelers to Italy visit really but I hope it changes soon

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  • Andrew Petcher
    November 18, 2015 at 7:13 pm

    Definitely on my to do list!

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    • Ishita
      November 18, 2015 at 7:16 pm

      Its worth the effort!

      Reply
  • lindaravello
    November 18, 2015 at 7:03 pm

    Oh wow, my list just keeps getting longer, you must stop lol x

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    • Ishita
      November 18, 2015 at 7:07 pm

      😀 😀 I am glad I am making the list longer, its fun!

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      • lindaravello
        November 18, 2015 at 7:48 pm

        You get a mention in my latest post x

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        • Ishita
          November 18, 2015 at 7:57 pm

          That is so sweet <3 I just read it and makes me feel so good. Thank you!

          Reply
  • Tanja
    November 18, 2015 at 7:02 pm

    great photos! I’ve never heard of this tram and I’ve passed thru Trieste many times!

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    • Ishita
      November 18, 2015 at 7:06 pm

      Thanks Tanja 🙂 You must visit the next time then!

      Reply

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