Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Italy’s Historic Divided Beach Draws Visitors Amid Sexism Debate
La Lanterna is an old beach in Trieste, Italy.
It has separate areas for men and women.
A wall in the water divides the two sections.
The beach has used this arrangement since 1903.
In June, a woman visiting with a man objected when she was asked to use the women’s area.
She called the policy sexist and discriminatory.
Some people agree that the beach should change.
Other Trieste residents say the arrangement is an important part of their history.
More people have visited the beach since the argument became widely discussed.
La Lanterna beach in Trieste has operated since 1903 and separates male and female bathers.
A 74-metre wall extending into the sea divides the council-run beach’s two sections.
The arrangement came under scrutiny in June after a visiting woman criticised the policy.
Critics called the separation discriminatory and “medieval,” while residents defended it as Trieste tradition.
The controversy appears to have contributed to a sharp rise in visitors, though no figures were provided.
- Who
- La Lanterna beach’s visitors, a visiting couple from Milan, Trieste residents, and the council that runs the beach.
- What
- A controversy over the beach’s policy of separating male and female bathers has coincided with a sharp rise in visitors.
- When
- The dispute began in June; the beach has operated since 1903.
- Where
- La Lanterna beach in Trieste, northeastern Italy.
- Why
- Critics objected to the separation as discriminatory, while supporters defended it as part of Trieste’s history and culture.
Critics of Separation
Defenders of Tradition
Whether the policy is discriminatory
Critics of Separation
Critics said directing a woman to the women’s section was sexist, discriminatory, and “medieval.”
Defenders of Tradition
Supporters did not view the arrangement as outdated, arguing that it is part of Trieste’s history and culture.
Whether the dividing wall should remain
Critics of Separation
The controversy raised questions about whether the traditional separation should continue.
Defenders of Tradition
Some Trieste residents said the wall is part of local tradition and that no Triestino wants it removed.
- Beach
- La Lanterna
- Location
- Trieste, northeastern Italy
- Established
- 1903
- Operator
- Trieste’s council
- Division
- A 74-metre wall separates the male and female bathing areas.
- Policy
- Men and women generally use separate sections; women may sunbathe topless without being seen by men if they choose.
- Recent development
- Visitors have surged following the controversy, although the article gives no numerical increase.