History and significance
The square dates back to the 18th century and was originally called Piazza Grande. After the unification of Italy in 1918, it was given its current name - Piazza Unità d'Italia, the Square of the Unity of Italy.
Trieste has always been a crossroads of cultures - Italian, Slovenian, Austrian and German - and the square still reflects this diversity today. It is also the place where official ceremonies, festivities and public events are held.
What to see here
Piazza Unità d'Italia is lined with elegant buildings in neoclassical and baroque styles:
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Palazzo del Municipio - the town hall with its monumental façade and tower,
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Palazzo del Lloyd Triestino - the original headquarters of the famous shipping company,
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Palazzo del Governo - a palace decorated with Venetian glass mosaics,
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Fontana dei Quattro Continenti - a baroque fountain symbolising the continents known at the time.
And right in front of you is a view of the Adriatic Sea! A unique combination of architecture and nature.
Why come here?
It is the largest square in Europe right by the sea. A coffee in one of the historic cafés, such as the Caffè degli Specchi, has the atmosphere of the belle époque (the period of history when Europe experiencedof artistic flourishing, technological advances and apparent peace and prosperity, although this period preceded the First World War).
Piazza Unità d'Italia is in the centre of the city and is easily reached on foot from the station or the port. In the evening, the illumination of the palaces makes the square a magical place for a stroll. Cultural events, festivals and open-air concerts are held here every year.
Piazza Unità d'Italia is not just a square - it is a symbol of Trieste' s openness to the sea and the world.
