I stopped in Trieste for lunch and a brief visit, returning from Slovenia.
It was easy to understand the mark of the successive changes in nationality, with many places named in both languages, and showing signs of both cultures.
I didn’t have that sensation in Trieste, where prevails the italian look, though with a strange image of… new!
Wrong idea? Maybe!
We were only passing by…
Huge and beautiful
This very large square (more than 12000 sq. meters), was built when Trieste was the main harbor of the Austrian-Hungarian empire, and changed name several times, as Trieste was moving from the empire to Italy, later to the free Trieste and finally back to Italy, when it received the actual name – Unità de Itália square.
It is surrounded by several palaces, (with a clean image, in contrast with many Italian monuments), with City Hall in evidence. A fountain and a statue are the only elements occupying the immense free área.
Address: Piazza Unità d’Italia
Website: Unità
Government palace
The Government House is one of the most beautiful buildings in Piazza Unification of Italy. It was designed in the beginning of the 20th century by a Viennese architect named Emil Artman, to replace the pre-existing. It seems that the decoration is extremely beautiful, made with mosaics of Murano glass decorated in Art Nouveau style and white stones.
However, as it houses today the offices of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Prefecture, it is only visitable in special occasions.
Address: Piazza Unità d’Italia
Bourse palace
The Bourse Palace in Trieste was built in the early 20th century, between 1902 and 1905, in the eclectic style by the architect Enrico Del Debbio.
It served as the headquarters of the Stock Exchange of Trieste until the 1990s. Today, it is used for a variety of purposes, including cultural events, exhibitions, and offices.
Verdi palace
The Verdi Palace was built in the early 20th century, between 1910 and 1912, by the architect Luigi Donato. Originally intended to be used as a hotel, it was purchased by the composer Giuseppe Verdi’s heirs, who converted it into an apartment building.
Today, the Verdi Palace is still used as a residential building, and it is considered one of the most important examples of Trieste’s Art Nouveau architecture.
City Hall
The Trieste City Hall was originally built in the 1870s, in a neo-Renaissance style, and underwent extensive renovations in the 20th century, featuring today a mixture of architectural styles, including elements of the Art Nouveau and Baroque styles.
The palace is not only the seat of the municipal government, but it is also an important cultural center, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and other events throughout the year.
Casa Rusconi
Casa Rusconi was constructed in the early 20th century, between 1903 and 1906, in the Art Nouveau style, by the architect Max Fabiani.
The building was originally constructed as a private residence for the Rusconi family, a prominent family in Trieste at the time. Today, it is used for commercial purposes, with offices and shops occupying the various floors.
Lloyd Triestino palace
The Lloyd Triestino Palace was constructed in the early 20th century, between 1905 and 1907, in the neo-Gothic style, by the architect Umberto Nordio.
The building was originally constructed as the headquarters of the Lloyd Triestino shipping company, and today it is also used for commercial purposes.
4 Continents fountain
The Continents Fountain was constructed in the mid-20th century, between 1954 and 1956, by the sculptor and artist Ferdinando Miani, and its main feature is a series of six statues, each representing one of the world’s continents.
Each continent is represented by a female figure, dressed in traditional clothing and holding objects that symbolize the continent’s culture and history.
St. Nicolo church
San Nicolò Church is a historic church originally constructed in the 11th century, and later expanded and modified over the centuries, showing a mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque.
The interior is particularly notable for its intricate decorations and artwork, featuring a series of frescoes and paintings by some of the most famous artists of the time.
Marksmen statue
The Marksmen Statue is located in the Piazza della Borsa, created by the sculptor Giuseppe Grando, and it was inaugurated in 1895.
The statue represents a Bersagliere soldier in full uniform and in action, holding a rifle in his right hand and a grenade in his left.
Lighthouse
The Trieste Lighthouse is located on the Gulf of Trieste, on the eastern edge of the city.
The lighthouse was built between 1923 and 1927, and it was designed by the architect Arduino Berlam, with a height of 68 meters (223 feet) it is one of the tallest lighthouses in the world.
Café del Mar – Good and cheap
Café del Mar – Good and cheap
We had lunch in a small restaurant, in the centre of town, with a modern look and… not too many people, which uses to be a bad sign. We had a common italian meal, based in pasta, but very tasteful.
Well done, nice ambience, and the usual low price for pasta.
Address: Via San Nicolo 3, Trieste
Price Comparison: about average
