Bora and legends: the wind that changed the history of Trieste

Trieste is a city that fascinates because of its unique geographical location, rich cultural heritage, and Central European influences. However, one of Trieste’s most iconic elements is something you can neither see nor touch: the Bora wind. This natural phenomenon, as powerful as it is fascinating, is an integral part of the city’s daily life and helps define its character.

The Bora is not just a wind, but a symbol for the people of Trieste. It is a cold, dry wind that blows mainly from the northeast, often with impressive force. During its most violent gusts, the Bora can reach speeds of over 150 km/h, turning the city into a place of challenge for those who live in and visit it. Yet, despite its intensity, this wind is also part of Trieste’s charm, an element that makes the city unforgettable for those lucky enough to pass through on days when it blows.

The origins of the Bora

Bora is a katabatic wind, which means it is generated when cold, dense air descends rapidly from the mountains toward the sea. In this case, the air comes from the Karst plateau, which overlooks Trieste. The pressure difference between the mountainous region and the Adriatic Sea causes the air to descend abruptly toward the coast, accelerating as it slides down the slopes of the Karst.

This phenomenon is especially intense during winter, when cold inland air meets milder sea temperatures, creating ideal conditions for the Bora. However, this wind can blow during other seasons as well, making Trieste a city where wind is always a possibility.

Life with the Bora

The people of Trieste are used to the Bora. Living in this wind requires adaptations, both practical and emotional. Some streets in the center of Trieste are equipped with metal handholds for pedestrians to hold on to in order to avoid being buffeted by the wind. Locals know well how to deal with the Bora: walk bent forward, cover yourself properly, and watch out for objects that might fly away.

However, Bora is not always the same: there is a particularly feared variant called “Dark Bora.” This occurs when the wind brings with it dark clouds and torrential rain, making the atmosphere even more dramatic. Unlike “Light Bora,” which sweeps away the clouds and leaves the sky clear, Dark Bora transforms the landscape into a gloomy and stormy scenario. However, there is also a local term, “borin,” which is used to describe a light and not too aggressive Bora wind.

But as mighty as it can be, Bora also has a silver lining. Thanks to this wind, the air in Trieste is often crystal clear, making the days especially bright. In many cases, the Bora sweeps away the clouds and leaves behind a clear, deep blue sky. This phenomenon is known locally as the “epilogue of the Bora,” when after a day of violent gusts the sky clears, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.

Bora’s appeal to visitors

For those visiting Trieste, the Bora can be an intense and unique experience. Exploring the city while the wind is blowing hard offers a different perspective on urban life, adding a sense of adventure to every walk. The Bora accompanies you as you visit historic monuments, walk the narrow streets of the center, or stroll along the charming waterfront.

If you are curious to experience the power of Bora firsthand, a visit during the winter months offers you the best chance to do so. Although it may seem intimidating, coming face to face with this wind is part of the authentic Trieste experience. It is as if the city itself wants to test its visitors, giving them unforgettable memories.

Bora and the Roman battle of the Frigid: when the wind changed destiny

One of the most intriguing legends related to Bora dates back to Roman times, when the wind played a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the Battle of the Frigid, fought on September 5 and 6, 394 AD, along the Vipava River. The clash between Eastern Emperor Theodosius I and Western Emperor Flavius Eugenius marked the final victory of Christianity over Paganism. Although Flavius Eugenius was a Christian, he supported the restoration of ancient pagan religions, and the battle was seen as a religious conflict. According to legend, a violent Bora wind swept through the battle, rendering Eugenius’ archers ineffective and changing the fortunes of the clash. This providential intervention was interpreted as a divine sign.

The legend of the birth of the Bora

Many years ago, Aeolus and his children wandered the world until they came to a plateau overlooking the sea. The most beloved of Aeolus’ daughters, Bora, enchanted by the beauty of the place, wandered off to play among the clouds and trees. Tired, she found refuge in a cave, where she met the human hero Tergesteus, returning from his Golden Fleece quest. The two fell in love and spent happy days together.

When Aeolus discovered Bora’s escape, enraged, he searched for his daughter. When he found her embraced by Tergesteus, his anger was unleashed: he lifted the hero and hurled him against the cave walls until he killed him. In an attempt to ease Bora’s pain, Mother Nature turned Tergesteo’s blood into sumac, a plant that has colored the Karst hills red in autumn ever since. However, Bora’s weeping did not stop, and her tears accumulated, turning into stones that eventually covered the entire plateau. Concerned that these rocks might smother the beauty of her flowering meadows, Mother Nature allowed Bora to stay forever beside Tergesteo’s body.

But despite this, Bora’s wails continued, so much so that even the gods decided to intervene. Aeolus, in order to appease his beloved daughter, allowed her to relive each year those happy days spent with Tergesteus, while Neptune ordered the Waves to cover the hero’s body with shells, starfish and green seaweed, transforming it into a tall, lush hill, the most beautiful in the region. Only then did Bora find peace, but the sound of his pain remained trapped in the whispering of the trees and in the wind.

As the centuries passed, the men who came to those lands built a Castelliere on the hill of Tergesteo, using the stones born from Bora’s tears. That place, over time, became a village and then a city, named Tergeste in honor of the legendary love. Even today, Bora reigns supreme over this city, blowing hard: “clear” when she embraces her beloved and “dark” while she waits for him.

In conclusion

The Bora is more than just a wind: it is an essential part of Trieste’s identity. Experiencing the city on a windy day allows you to better understand its character and history, appreciate its unique atmosphere, and be captivated by its energy. If you are looking for an authentic experience, full of charm and adventure, Trieste with its Bora awaits you.

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this extraordinary city through our excursions and self-guided trips to Trieste, where you can immerse yourself in everything that makes this destination special, including the wind!