Muggia

On the last strip of Italy, the coast seems to fold in on itself: here is the Bay of Muggia, a characteristic locality with Istrian-Venetian features. Landing in the picturesque dock, it almost seems as if one is entering the streets and the squares. Looking at Muggia from the sea, the white Istrian stones and colourful houses create a harmonious whole with the verdant Karst environment. It is framed by seven kilometres of coastline and a crown of hills that panoramically dominate a vast area, both Italian and Istrian. Before the year 1000, a small centre developed downstream, in the small harbour, which was called Borgolauro: in the 13th century, the Municipality of Muggia was born in this new village. The cathedral and municipal palace, rebuilt in the 20th century, date from this period. The Castle of Muggia, on the other hand, dates back to the 14th century, although it has been remodelled several times over the centuries. It once crowned the fortified walls around the town. You can still breathe a special air in this town, strolling through the characteristic calli and the splendid Piazza Marconi, the beating heart of the town, or stopping in the Mandracchio to watch the fishermen at work.