Santuario Mariano di Monte Grisa (Temple of Monte Grisa), Trieste

The Temple of Monte Grisa (officially the National Shrine of Mary Mother and Queen) is one of Trieste’s most distinctive landmarks, perched high above the city on the Karst Plateau. Built between 1963 and 1966, it was commissioned by Bishop Antonio Santin as a vow of gratitude for the Virgin Mary’s protection of Trieste during World War II. The sanctuary is dedicated to the Holy Mother of God and was officially inaugurated in 1966, quickly becoming both a place of pilgrimage and a striking symbol of faith visible from land and sea. Its location, overlooking the Gulf of Trieste, gives visitors sweeping views of the city, the Adriatic, and the surrounding hills.

What makes the temple stand out architecturally is its bold modernist design. The concrete structure was designed by architect Antonio Guacci in the shape of two interlocking triangles, forming a large “M” for Maria. This unusual form, combined with geometric lines and massive walls, sets it apart from more traditional church architecture in the region. Inside, the sanctuary has a spacious, austere atmosphere that highlights the monumental scale of the building, with mosaics and stained glass providing moments of color and devotion.

The Temple of Monte Grisa continues to attract pilgrims and visitors alike, not only for its spiritual significance but also for its role as an architectural landmark of postwar Italy. The panoramic terrace around the sanctuary makes it a popular stop for tourists seeking breathtaking vistas of Trieste and the Adriatic coastline. Whether approached for prayer, reflection, or simply admiration of its striking design and setting, the temple offers a unique perspective on both the city and the landscape it commands.