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POLITIKOFF

The only beach in Europe that separates men from women with a wall

Politiko 2026-06-25 12:31:17

The only beach in Europe that separates men from women with a wall

In the heart of Trieste, one of Italy's most popular coastal cities, lies "La Lanterna", known to locals as "El Pedocin" - the only beach in Europe where men and women continue to bathe separated by a physical wall.

The tradition dates back to 1903, when public baths were built in the Santa Teresa area during the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Due to the norms of the time on morality and decency, the authorities decided to separate the spaces for men and women with a fence, which was later replaced by the characteristic white wall, about 3 meters high and 74 meters long.

Even after Trieste came under Italian administration and many historical changes, “Pedocin” maintained its traditional rules. Today, women and children up to the age of 12 use one side of the beach, while men frequent the other.

Visitors pay a symbolic entrance fee and are guided by signs indicating the direction to each area. On the women's side, conversations, songs and a family atmosphere prevail, while on the men's side, political discussions, sports commentary and card games are common. The name "Pedocin" has long sparked debate.

Some believe it is related to mussels (“pedoci” in the local dialect), others to the nails where bathers' clothes were hung, while other theories link it to former overcrowding or to the soldiers of the Austrian Empire who used the area to bathe.

Although the system of separation is seen by some as outdated, Trieste residents consider it part of the city's identity. A local referendum even confirmed support for preserving the wall, rejecting the idea of ​​tearing it down. "Pedocin" has also attracted attention outside Italy, becoming the subject of international documentaries and reports. The debate over the tradition continues, but for its supporters the beach represents a living cultural heritage, where the separation is not seen as a limitation, but as part of the history and unique character of Trieste

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