You can't go any further east by land in Friuli than Muggia. Beyond that, you're already in Slowenia - as the coat of arms of Muggia shows: a gateway to the East.
Another 50 km and you're already in Croatia. Incidentally, Muggia is the only typical Venetian town that remained part of Italy after World War II.
At the port of Muggia.
The residents of this former fishing port have always remained loyal to the Serenissima. Even someone unfamiliar with the area would immediately recognize this from the Lion of St. Mark that crowns the imposing eastern gate.
If you'd like to go fishing in the picturesque harbor of Muggia, you'll need a permit. You can obtain one by filling out the following PDF and affixing a revenue stamp to it (Richiesta autorizzazione pesca sportiva in porto.pdf).
The fee is €16.
For further questions, please contact the Italian Coast Guard.
The carnival in Muggia is also enchanting; every year it features a parade of masked floats and costumes organized by eight "companies" that compete against one another. (As is often the case, the Venice Carnival overshadows many events and festivities in the surrounding area, so that they don't really gain much recognition...)
Since its opening in 2003, Muggia has attracted sailing enthusiasts from all over the world with its massive Porto San Rocco marina.
Lion with a closed book
Image creditThe town hall-formerly the Palazzo dei Rettori-features the Lion of St. Mark on its facade, holding a closed book and a sword, symbolizing the constant danger that hung over a city situated on the border.
Venetian-style symbolism:
- St. Mark's lion with an open book: peace.
- St. Mark's lion with a closed book: war.
It's that simple.
Cycling in Muggia
Hike & Bike
Whether you have strong legs or an e-bike, the area around Muggia offers plenty of opportunities to explore the charming landscape by bike or to cycle a section of the Alpe-Adria Cycle Route.
You can pick up this map at the URP Information Office in Muggia or download it directly here. (PDF, 4 Mb)
Information Office (URP)
Piazza Marconi 1 (ground floor under the arcades)
Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Monday and Wednesday also in the afternoon: 2:30 PM - 5:30
PM Tel. +39-040-3360200/416