Located at the crossroads of Europe's major ethnic and religious communities, it's no surprise that Trieste has long been a diverse and exceptionally tolerant city in terms of culture and religion, a historical fact that can largely be traced back to Empress Maria Theresa's decision to allow the free practise of religion in 1751. One of the most tangible signs of this heritage is the magnificent Seribian orthodox church set just off the Grand Canal. Dedicated to the Greek Cypriot Saint Spyridon - whose diverse patronage includes potters, the island of Corfu and the Tolstoy family of Russia - the hulking multi-domed structure is of typical Byzantine style and dates back to 1869. Of special interest are the nine statues by Milanese artist Emilio Bisi adorning the front façade, and the large silver lamp hanging inside the main entrance, which was a gift from Russian Tsar Paul I.