WOMAN WHO TRAVELLED THE WORLD FOR 13 YEARS REVEALS HER FAVOURITE IS AN 'UNKNOWN' ITALIAN CITY
Italy's hardly off the beaten track, having been popular among British tourists for centuries.
But the country has many hidden gems that offer unique cultural experiences without the hordes of tourists seen in cities such as Rome, Florence and Naples.
Kat Smith, who's been travelling the world for more than a decade, has explored much of what Italy has to offer.
Her favourite place of all? The oft-ignored city of Trieste.
Kat loves this spot so much, she chose to live there for the last two years.
Kat told The Mirror: 'I've traversed Italy extensively, visiting at least one new spot every month since I moved here in August 2023.
'One of my favourite cities is Trieste. Although it remains relatively unknown outside of Italy, Trieste is gradually emerging from its shell and receiving the recognition it deserves.'
Kat says Trieste is particularly noteworthy for its unique nature - including the buildings and food.
She adds: 'Here, you'll feel closer to Vienna than to Rome when wandering the streets.'
Surrounded by Slovenia, Trieste is different from what much of Italy promises.
Located between the Adriatic coast and Slovenia's border, it's often described as a melting pot of cultures.
It has a unique Triestini dialect, a mix of Italian, Austrian-German, Croatian and Greek.
Trieste is often dubbed 'little Vienna by the sea' as a result of its parallels to the Austrian capital.
There's lots to do in Trieste - from visiting Unity of Italy Square or Cattedrale di San Giusto Martire to strolling along the canals, there's something for all tastes.
Miramare Castle, a 19th-century castle, is worth a trip, too - the grounds include an extensive cliff and seashore park spanning 54 acres.
Kat also says many residents in Trieste have sailboats.
Trieste is particularly magical at Christmas, with markets selling local, artisanal products.
Classical music and festive carols can be heard at this time of year, a part of the city's musical heritage.
Christmas food in Trieste is on offer too - with traditional sweets such as Presnitz, a rolled pastry filled with spices, nuts and dried fruit, and Fritole, which is similar to a doughnut.
With glittering lights up across the city, the festive atmosphere is captured here.
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