Trieste is home to a really unusual and evocative means of travelling from the city centre to the Carso plateau - rattling up the tracks of via Commerciale on board the old Tram de Opicina, a true institution in the city. It was opened in 1902, but started its life badly when after just a month in service it derailed and crashed into a house, an event immortalized at the time in an ironic song. It was, however, soon working again, and since that time the tram has become the best-loved form of transport in Trieste. It is the only tram in Europe combining electric and cable traction to be in regular service.
Initially, the tramway connected the city centre to Vetta Scorcola, but some 30 years later it was extended to arrive at Opicina.
During the slow ascent, with inclines of up to 26%, passengers have the opportunity to enjoy glimpses of the gulf and truly spectacular views of the Carso ridge.