Economo Palace

Palazzo Economo was built in 1891 by the architect Giovanni Scalmanini, in the style of neo-Greek eclecticism, on a commission from the Greek merchant Giovanni Economo, an important exponent of that cosmopolitan entrepreneurial activity that had made the port of Triest the terminal of its trade.

The building has the characteristics typical of merchants' residences, with big stores on the ground floor, offices and residence; it stands near the shore where sailing ships berthed.

The elegant and representative urban abode looks out on the Station square, which acts as a spectacular entrance for anyone arriving in the city.

The building is on three floors. The tripartite façade, decorated with rustic and smooth ashlar-work, presents two avant-corps, surmounted by turrets with balconies adorned by Ionic columns that recall the central balcony above the portal.

From the elegant atrium on the ground floor, supported by four Ionic columns, there starts a staircase of honour with Corinthian columns leading to the piano nobile: in the atrium, coming from the Station Café, big allegorical canvases make up the Progress cycle, with paintings by late nineteenth-century Triestine artists, representing Commerce, Industry and Navigation.

There follows the einghteenth-century Piedmontese Salon with mirrors and rich boiserie in carved and gilded wood and sopraportas with mythological scenes by the painters Corrado Giaquinto, Sebastiano Conca and Maria Giovanna Clementi.

Today the building contains the regional offices of the Ministry for the Cultural Heritage and Activities.