Foiba di Basovizza

About the museum

The Foiba di Basovizza was originally a mine shaft on the Trieste Karst. The site is linked to the killing of prisoners, soldiers and civilians, mostly Italian, which took place in May 1945, during the days of the Yugoslav occupation of Trieste. The shaft is about 200 metres deep, and the exact number of victims is difficult to establish. Since 1992 the site has been recognised as a National Monument.

The area includes the shrine, always open without time limits, and a Documentation Centre run since 2007 by the Lega Nazionale, under an agreement with the Municipality of Trieste. The centre holds material, educational panels and publications to help understand the historical, political and social context of the events.

The history of the site is part of the complex story of Italy’s eastern border and is the subject of historiographical debate. The site is a destination for commemorations and school visits.

Key themes

• Shrine of the National Monument
• Documentation centre with free admission
• Educational panels on the history of the eastern border
• Guided tours by reservation

Permanent exhibition

• Centro di documentazione – Exhibition space with panels and publications on the history of the foiba and of the eastern border.

Operated by

Comune di Trieste (Centro di documentazione gestito dalla Lega Nazionale)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The Documentation Centre has free admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site is accessible to people with disabilities; a lift, not very spacious, leads to the upper floor, and a wheelchair is available on site. There are no seats along the visit route.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kids

Getting there & parking

By car, about 20 minutes from Trieste Centrale station.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit