Did you know that the iconic church towering over the Gulf of Trieste is nicknamed „Formaggino” (Little Cheese) by the locals? This parmesan cheese-looking church, visible from almost everywhere in the downtown, is a marvel of reinforced concrete architecture. You can find the church on maps as Santuario del Monte Grisa, and it’s a 15-20 minute drive from downtown, or you can take bus number 42 to get there.
The church was dedicated to Mary by its builders, who wanted to construct the letter M on the cliff. Engineer Antonio Guacci designed it based on a sketch by Antonio Santin, the Bishop of Trieste and Koper, who made a vow to the Virgin Mary in 1945 that if the city was saved, he would build a pilgrimage site in her honor. From the cliff in front of the church, you can enjoy breathtaking views, and there are hiking trails nearby. You can read about the Mass schedule here.