The Amerigo Vespucci Returns

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Amerigo Vespucci being towed back into port.

I was returning to Triest on the coach, when overhead a troupe of fighter jets flew right over us, emanating smoke trails in the colours of the Italian flag behind them. Needless to say this was quite a surprise! It was because there turned out to be a major event occurring in Triest on that weekend: the return of the Amerigo Vespucci to Italy after a two-year long tour around the world.

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The sailing ship in front of Trieste, Italy's not-quite aicraft carrier and most modern vessel.

Amerigo Vespucci is one of the vessels the Italian navy uses to train sailors, but apart from that I’m not qualified to say much more about it, though it was very chic looking! In port as well on that weekend was Trieste, which is the Italian navy’s latest and greatest amphibious assault ship or basically a mini aircraft carrier.

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Crowds gather to watch Amerigo Vespucci return to harbour.

There were also military parades, including one by the cavalry regiment of the Carabinieri, which were all good fun. I also spent some time walking around the city and must say that I think it’s quite underrated. Although it’s in the back corner of the country and definitely not comparable to Venice or Florence, I thought the city was pleasantly grandiose with a lot of heritage from the late 19th century maritime, ocean-liner days and an interesting mix of Italian and Austrian architecture. On the weekend it was buzzing with well-frequented cafés, bars and restaurants, which made it feel much busier than its size would suggest.

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Flags raised in the Piazza Unità d'Italia.