A historic beach in Trieste, in northern Italy, continues to separate men and women through a wall, maintaining a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. La Lanterna beach, known locally as Pedocìn, is considered unique in Europe for preserving this division to this day.
The bathing area has two distinct areas: one for men and the other for women. Children can stay on the female side until they are 12 years old, following the traditional rules of the space.
Tradition has existed since 1890
La Lanterna beach was opened in 1890 and has become one of the most symbolic places in Trieste. Despite being equipped like a modern beach, with showers, changing rooms and a bar, it maintains a characteristic that surprises many visitors.
According to , the wall divides not only the beach, but also access to the sea. On one side are the men; on the other, women and younger children.
Entrance is paid and is around one euro. For many residents, the rule is part of their local identity. For some tourists, however, separation is seen as an outdated tradition.
Couple tried to disobey the rule
The controversy once again gained prominence after a couple from Milan tried to sit in the area reserved for men. The case was reported by the Italian newspaper Trieste Prima.
According to the same publication, a local resident caught the couple’s attention, explaining that La Lanterna’s rules are clear and do not allow for exceptions: men on one side, women on the other.
The tourist’s reaction will have been heated. The man criticized the tradition, classifying it as “absurd”, “medieval” and “sexist”, which ended up attracting the attention of other people who were in the space.
Argument ended in aggression
The tension increased to the point that the person responsible for the space threatened to call the police. Instead of calming down, the tourist allegedly pushed an employee and was violent towards the woman who had caught his attention.
The couple ended up leaving the beach and, according to the Italian press, asked for a refund for their tickets. It is not clear whether the amount was returned.
The episode reignited the debate about the continuity of this rule on a public and tourist beach. For some, it is a historical tradition in Trieste; for others, it’s a practice that’s difficult to justify these days.
One of the symbols of Trieste
La Lanterna owes its name to the proximity of the lighthouse with the same name. Among the inhabitants of Trieste, however, the beach is better known as Pedocìn, a word associated with its small size and the large concentration of bathers.
Despite the controversy, the space remains highly sought after by residents and visitors. The beach is also highlighted as an interesting point to watch the sunset in the city.
The fact that it is considered the only beach in Europe that maintains this formal separation between men and women makes it an unusual tourist attraction.
Tradition that continues to divide opinions
The existence of the wall is, for many, a historical curiosity. For others, it is a sign that some traditions survive even when they no longer keep up with current sensibilities.
La Lanterna beach therefore continues to be a place where past and present intersect in an unusual way. While offering the services of a modern bathroom area, it maintains a rule created over 130 years ago.
The episode with the Milan couple shows that the tradition remains far from consensual. And, in a city accustomed to defending its symbols, the small beach of Trieste once again made the news due to a division that still literally separates men and women.
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