Piazza Unità d'Italia is definitely one of Trieste's most picturesque sights. The beautiful historical buildings surrounding it and the open view towards the Gulf make it a unique and special place, both during the day and at night, when it is illuminated by blue and white lights. It is the centre of the political life in town and its history is connected to the Great War, starting from its very own name.
Under the Habsburg Empire, it was simply called Large Square (Piazza Grande) and included a garden too. After 04th November 1918, it was renamed Unification of Italy Square to celebrate the annexation of Trieste to the Kingdom of Italy and the garden was replaced by paving stones and two bronze pillars, inaugurated at the presence of Duke Amedeo of Aosta in 1933. These 6m high pillars support a 25m tall antenna with an halberd at its end, the town's emblem, while at the base sculptor Attilio Selva created four statues of "autieri", soldiers assigned to transportation services.
Opposite the square, Audace Pier protrudes on the Gulf of Trieste and is an ideal spot for a stroll along the Waterfront. Built in the mid-700's, it was originally dedicated to St. Charles. But on 03rd November 1918, when war was over, the Italian destroyer "Audace" moored at this pier, so it was renamed "Audace".
Finally, you can observe two sculptures by artist Fiorenzo Bacci on the Waterfront dedicated to the soldiers who fell for Trieste, always opposite the square. One sculpture represents a marksman climbing some stairs, in memory of the Marksmen, which arrived in town always on 03rd November 1918. The other one instead, entitled "Trieste maidens", represents two female figures sitting on a wall while weaving a tricolour flag. Both statues were installed in 2004 for the 50th anniversary of the return of Trieste to Italy (following the inter-ally period when Trieste was a free territory, 1945 - 1954). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Trieste Infopoint
Piazza Unità d'Italia 4/b
I-34121 Trieste
Tel +39 040 3478312
Fax +39 040 3478320 info.trieste@turismofvg.it
