The Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta is a 5-star boutique hotel, located in the most beautiful square in Europe with a sea view, Piazza Unità d’Italia in Trieste.

Built in 1873, the Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta stands in an area with a long history starting in 1300. Illustrious guests, celebrities, and nobles of the highest rank stayed in its rooms during the 17th century: the Archduchess Maria Maddalena d’Austria, wife of Cosimo de’ Medici Grand Duke of Tuscany (1608), the Infanta Maria Anna of Spain, wife of Ferdinand I (1631), Federico Gonzaga Duke of Mantua (1662), Admiral Horatio Nelson, Queen Maria Carolina of Naples, the archeologist Johann Joachim Winckelmann, the emperors Joseph II and Leopold II, Giacomo Casanova and Carlo Goldoni, just to mention a few.

The restyling of the hotel, firmed by Egidio Panzera Architect, took shape from the idea to preserve the heritage of the site and to introduce contemporary interpretations. The Hotel reopened in 2020 and you can fully enjoy the spaces between the past and the contemporary. When you pass through the original wooden door the lobby is a “theatrical” space; an extravagant chandelier made from fine Venetian crystal with aquamarine tinges is the leading actor, the iridescent carpet and the top of the historic wooden counter, made from glass fused with golden and bronze, highlight the same flickering reflections of Trieste’s lights on the sea. The building’s stairwell was transformed into an unconventional art gallery and an exhibition itinerary has been created around the elevator shaft and on the floor landings. 

Rooms and Suites are all different and describe the connotative aspects of the city of Trieste: complexity, contrast, and reflection.  The concept involved the insertion of a contemporary touch within the heritage of the preexisting space of each room and suite.

Renewed in 1972 by Arrigo Cipriani of the famous Harry’s Bar in Venice, the Harry’s brand has managed to maintain its appeal and unique vibe over time. One of a kind concept that, born in Venice, found its own spot in the extraordinary city of Trieste, where Harry’s fully represents a brand that is synonymous with eno-gastronomic excellence. Among the cornerstones of Harry’s philosophy, there is one that is particularly important to the chef Matteo Metullio e Davide De Pra, they call it: QUALITY-MILE. Their eno-gastronomic journey blends local elements and far away ingredients, land and sea; constantly looking for the quality without territorial limits, as a ship ready to sail towards new worlds. Harry’s Piccolo – 2 Michelin stars – an intimate venue where you can treat yourself to an exclusive gastronomic experience.

• Stunning location facing the Piazza Unità d'Italia
• 37 rooms and suites
• 8 apartments contemporary style
• Harry's Bar
• Harry's Bistrot
• Harry's Piccolo 2 Michelin Stars
• NEW Wellness area renovated in 2024
• Concierge service
• Ideal location for Meeting, Private and Corporate Events

• Relais & Chateaux property

Trieste and Friuli Venezia Giulia Travel Tips

The sparkle of charming Trieste. Loved by writers such as Rilke and Joyce, Trieste boasts an idyllic setting and you will discover its grandeur and appeal. The city is vibrant, has its own unique charm, is full of history and beautiful architecture and attractions, and offers more plenty of excursions.

10 TOP-rated Attractions & Things to do in Trieste

1. Visit the amazing mosaics at San Giusto’s Cathedral. Explore the city and its vast array of churches, Roman remains and striking architecture, such as the staggering Piazza Unità d’Italia, a spectacularly broad square, in a superb position overlooking the sea
2. Borgo Teresiano. The elegant district built by the Austrian emperor Charles VI along the picturesque Canale Grande
3. Miramare Castle. Built between 1856 and 1860, becoming the residence of the Duke Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife Carlotta of Belgium
4. The Castle of San Giusto located on the highest hill in the city
5. The Synagogue is the most tangible sign of the importance of the Jewish community in the history of the city
6. Historic cafes in Trieste that have remained basically intact over the decades and offer now a fascinating experience
7. Since 110 years the Opicina Tram is a tourist attraction in the city
8. The Grotta Gigante (Giant Cave) was discovered in 1890. Located at about 80 meters deep, is 98.50 meters high, 167.60 meters long and 76.30 meters wide.
9. Museo Civico Revoltella is one of Italy's major museums of modern art, with more than a thousand paintings and 800 sculptures, as well as prints and drawings. The collections include works by Carlo Carrà, Giorgio Morandi, Lucio Fontana and Mario Sironi
10. Reading the menus in the trattorias you might think you are in Vienna or Prague as the cuisine has a strong Austro-Hungarian influence

Friuli Venezia Giulia. A region filled with hidden treasures, you will visit the notable Mosaics School in Spilimbergo: the only one of its kind in the world, it hosts students from many different nations.

• The fort-city of Palmanova, planned in 1593, follows on your tour: built on a utopian dream, the city was declared national monument in 1960
• Explore Grado, also known as the Golden Island, and its picturesque historic centre with pretty alleys and courtyards, and the Basilica with fabulous 6th century mosaics
• Move on to Aquileia, the ancient Roman city that hosts exceptional mosaics in the striking Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta and admire their riveting beauty
• The alpine foothills of the Friuli are some of the best white wine producing estates in Italy and the hilltop town of San Daniele is world-famous for its prized ham
• All year round active holidays: sailing, walking, hiking, trekking, biking, horse riding, skiing, cross-country skiing, sleddog, photo shooting experiences and much more