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Beach destinations are among the most popular choices for holidays, whether it’s a trip with friends or a honeymoon. But in the Italian city of Trieste, located on the Adriatic coast, there is a beach unlike any other. La Lanterna Beach, popularly known as El Pedocin, is believed to be the world’s only and Europe’s last gender-segregated beach, where men and women use separate sections.
120-year-old wall divides the beach
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Since 1903, a 9-foot (2.7-metre) white concrete wall has divided the beach into separate areas for men and women. The wall was originally built to give women the freedom to swim and sunbathe comfortably in bikinis or shorter clothing without fear of being watched. Today, however, the wall has become the centre of an ongoing debate.
Separate entrances and strict rules
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The beach follows strict rules. Men and women have separate entrances and visitors pay an entry fee of around Rs 150 per person. The dividing wall extends from the beach into the shallow waters of the sea. While men and women can swim together in deeper waters, crossing into each other’s section on the sandy beach is strictly prohibited.
Woman removed after entering men’s section
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Earlier this month, a dispute broke out after a woman entered the men’s section of the beach. Several men objected and asked her to return to the women’s side. The woman became upset and argued that the rule was outdated and unfair, leading to a heated exchange.
Reason behind the incident
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It was later revealed that the woman had crossed over only to help her husband change the clothes of their disabled son. However, the men at the beach insisted that the rules applied to everyone, regardless of the reason. Security staff intervened before the argument escalated and escorted the woman out of the restricted area.
Internet divided over the beach’s rules
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The incident has sparked widespread debate online. Many people have criticised the beach’s gender-segregation policy as outdated and discriminatory. However, many residents of Trieste argue that El Pedocin is an important part of the city’s history and cultural heritage and believe its long-standing traditions should be preserved.
