Atop Gretta Hill stands the Victory Lighthouse a majestic sentinel overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. Its imposing height 223 feet or 68 meters makes it one of the tallest lighthouses globally. This wasn’t just a navigational aid. It was a statement. A monument.
Built between 1923 and 1927 the Victory Lighthouse commemorates Italian sailors lost at sea during World War I. Its location was carefully chosen. Trieste had just become Italian territory. The lighthouse’s height was deliberate. It was designed to surpass the Berlin Victory Column a symbol of German might.
The lighthouse’s construction is impressive. The base uses local Istrian stone. The lantern sits within a bronze crystal cage. Atop the structure stands a statue of winged Victory. A seaman and the anchor of an Italian World War I ship adorn the front. The architect Arduino Berlam’s design was modified by Guido Cirilli. Beniamino Battigelli designed the reinforced concrete structure.
The lighthouse’s purpose extends beyond a simple beacon. The inscription “Splendi e ricorda i caduti sul mare MCMXV-MCMXVIII” shines and reminds of the fallen at sea 1915-1918. It stands as a powerful reminder of sacrifice and triumph.
After a seven-year restoration the lighthouse reopened in 1986. Now you can visit the lower part. Climbing to the top requires ascending 285 steps but the panoramic view of Trieste and the Gulf is worth the effort. Inside a powerful 1000-watt halogen bulb casts a light visible for more than 35 miles. This tiny bulb produces a light intensity equal to 1500000 candles. The optical instrument increases the bulb’s power tenfold.
The Victory Lighthouse of Trieste isn’t just a lighthouse. It’s a tribute. It’s a testament to Italy’s victory. It’s a symbol of remembrance and a beacon of hope. Stand here and absorb the history the dedication the enduring spirit embodied in this remarkable structure.