The city of Trieste represents a unique case in the 18th century in multiple respects. The free trade patent of Charles VI at the beginning of the century led to significant economic and social changes. It goes without saying that the church did not want to remain passive during this time. Thus, Antonius Johannes N. (Ferdinand) Reichsgraf von Herberstein, who was well known at the Viennese court and became the bishop of the old diocese of Trieste in 1760, sought to adapt to the new times through a variety of projects and submissions to the authorities. The author attempts to trace the political and ecclesiastical peculiarities of Trieste during the early Josephinism using source material, and to depict the often tense relationship between the church and the authorities.