The people of Trieste refer affectionately to this temple as the "little cheese" because of its triangular shape. In fact, the Mariano Temple of Monte Grisa is an extraordinary construction. Its bulk dominates the whole city and the beautiful gulf below it. It is on one of the most beautiful and attractive parts of the Carso and the view from the top is breathtaking. It is definitely worth making the tortuous ascent up to the church. It was built under the wishes of the bishop Antonio Santin in 1945. It was built for diplomatic reasons during the war over Italian sovereignty over Trieste (which was challenged by Yugoslavian troops under Marshall Tito). The church was dedicated to Mary, "mother and queen", by Pope John XXIII in 1959. They intended to transform it into a symbol of solidarity between east and west. This plan was finished in 1965 and was consecrated on May 22 a year later. Since then it has provided a destination for pilgrims from all over Italy and abroad. It is seen as an oasis for prayer. The interior is very sober and perhaps a little too bleak - there are not any wall paintings. There is however a beautiful crucifix which is by Trieste's sculptor Marcello Mascherini.
- Type:
Religious
- Nearest Train: TT 42
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