Discover two architecturally rich Italian seaports with distinct Venetian influences just minutes from the border of Slovenia. While walking through the Old Town of often-conquered Trieste, the guide will elaborate on the city’s history, which will seem particularly relevant as you explore the 14th-century Cathedral of San Giusto and the medieval complex that surrounds it. Nearby, you will find the Canal Grande, a beautiful waterway lined with centuries-old palazzi much like the canals in Venice. No wonder – a Venetian designed the Trieste canal in the mid-1700s. Free time in the spacious open-air Piazza Unità d’Italia allows you to absorb more of the winsome atmosphere before traveling to Muggia. The Venetian Republic began controlling the fishing village in the 1400s and left an indelible mark, as did Austria. As you stroll the narrow streets of Old Town on your own, be sure to look for Muggia Castle, which is now the private residence of a Muggia-born sculptor.