PIAZZA DELL’UNITA’ D’ITALIA
Marvel at the largest sea-facing square in Europe.
You got it right, we are talking about the Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia, translated in English as the “Unity of Italy Square”, representing the heart of the city of Trieste. At the beginning it was called St. Peter’s square, taking the name from a church that was located there but no longer exists. In 1863 the square has been enlarged and its name became Piazza Grande, literally “Big Square”, still widely used among the people of Trieste. For a short time, during the domination of Austria, the square was dedicated to the emperor Franz Joseph I. This famous square received its current name just after the Second World War.
Piazza Grande has a rectangular shape and covers an area of approximately 12,000 m2. There are several very beautiful buildings that form the frame of this enchanting picture, such as:
– the Town Hall with the curious bronze statuettes representing Mihec and Jakec, ready to ring the bell of the clock tower;
– the Palace of the Austrian Lieutenancy, which today houses the prefecture, decorated with spectacular sun-kissed mosaics;
– the Palace of the triestine Lloyd, an important shipping company, which nowadays hosts various Regional offices.
To admire the entire square, you can take a walk on the pier Audace, where a breathtaking view on the sea and the city will welcome you.
Also very interesting is the meaning of the small blue lights on the floor of the square. They’re representing the area that until 1863 was covered by the sea and hosted a small marina called “mandracchio”.
To taste all the varieties of triestine coffee, you should visit the historical Caffè degli Specchi, that can be translated as the “Mirrors’ Café”, established already in 1839, representing the best place to enjoy the beauty of the square. Noteworthy is also the Fountain of the Four Continents, requested by Maria Theresa of Austria herself in the 18th century.
In the past Piazza Unità became the scenery of important historical events. Nowadays it represents the ideal setting for many concerts, fairs and celebrations. During the Christmas festivities it becomes even more irresistible.
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