The Opicina Tram: history and curiosities of an icon of Trieste

Trieste, with its complex history and Central European charm, has always preserved unique traditions and symbols. Among these, the Opicina Tram holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors. This historic means of transport is not just a link between the city center and the Karst plateau but a true journey through time.

The origins of the Opicina Tram

The Opicina Tram, also known as the “Tram de Opcina” in the Trieste dialect, was inaugurated on 9 September 1902 to link Piazza Oberdan, in the heart of Trieste, with the village of Opicina, located on the Karst plateau at about 320 metres above sea level.

At the turn of the century, Trieste was a flourishing port city under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and there was a growing need for an efficient transport system to link the city with the surrounding areas. The challenge, however, was to overcome the steep gradient of the Scorcola, which was too demanding for conventional electric trams of the time. Engineers designed a unique hybrid system combining an electric tram with a funicular mechanism, making the Opicina tram one of the most distinctive transport systems in Europe.

The first decades of operation saw rapid success, with the tram becoming not only a means of transport but also a scenic route enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Over the years, it evolved with technological improvements and modernisation. However, it also suffered significant disruptions, particularly during the Second World War, when much of Trieste’s infrastructure was affected by bombing and occupation. After the war, the tramway was restored and remained a beloved part of the city, surviving the great urban transformations of the 20th century.

The unique functioning of the Opicina Tram

The special feature of this tram is its mixed system: it is an electric tram that, on the steepest section, is supported by funicular cars that push the tram uphill and control its descent. This mechanism allows the tram to negotiate the most difficult section of the line, with a gradient of up to 26%.

The twists and turns of the Tram through the 20th and 21st centuries

Over the years, the Opicina tram has seen many interruptions and restorations. During the Second World War, the service was suspended, only to resume in the post-war period with renewed public interest. In recent years, the tram has been closed for long periods due to safety and maintenance issues.

Following an accident that led to its suspension in 2016, the tram finally returned to service in February 2025, to the delight of both residents and tourists. Its return marks an important step for the city’s historic and sustainable mobility.

Curiosities and anecdotes about the Opicina Tram

• A tram with a view: The tram route offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Trieste and the gulf. As it climbs, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the sea.
• A unique system in Europe: The mixed tram-funicular system is a rarity in Europe, attracting the attention of transport experts and tourists from all over the world.
• The tram in film and literature: The Opicina Tram has inspired many artists, writers, and filmmakers. The Trieste writer Veit Heinichen often mentions it in his noir novels set in Trieste, while Claudio Magris has written about it in his stories about the city.
• Trieste’s most famous number 2: The Opicina Tram runs on line number 2, a number that for many Triestinians is synonymous with nostalgia and anticipation for the return of the service.
• The tram that braved a storm: In the 1950s, a violent Bora storm hit Trieste, disrupting many transport services. It is said that a brave conductor managed to drive the tram all the way to Opicina despite the strong winds, demonstrating the resilience of this historic vehicle.
• Legend of the Ghost Carriage: Some locals claim that on the foggiest of nights they have seen a tram carriage travelling along the tracks without a driver. Of course, this is just a popular myth, but the tram’s mystique continues to fuel fascinating stories.
• The tram in music: The Opicina tram is so iconic that a song in the Trieste dialect, ‘El tram de Opcina’, has been dedicated to it, ironically and lovingly describing its ups and downs between the city centre and the plateau. Everyone in Trieste knows this song. The verses are a cheerful retelling of a real event that happened on 10 October 1902, when the tram’s motor car derailed due to a brake failure.
• Once drawn by horses? Before the age of electricity, some urban transport was horse-drawn, and it is said that in the early years of the tram project, a hybrid system with animal traction was envisaged for the steepest stretches, later abandoned in favour of funicular technology.

The future of the Opicina Tram

With its recent reactivation, the tram reaffirms itself as a symbol of the city and an important asset for tourism and sustainable mobility. It is hoped that the service will remain efficient and safe, ensuring the continuity of one of Europe’s most fascinating historic transport systems.

Conclusion

The Opicina Tram is much more than just a means of transport: it is a piece of history, an icon of Trieste that bridges the past and the future. Now that it is finally back in operation, all that remains is to hop on and enjoy its charming journey between the sea and the Karst.

If you want to discover Trieste on foot and immerse yourself in its history, join our tours Experience another side of Trieste!