This is Trieste’s elegant main square facing the sea. You can reach it by walking through Piazza della Borsa from the Canal Grande, or from San Giusto hill by heading down towards the seafront. It’s often said to be Europe’s largest seafront square, which is probably true, but it’s certainly one of the most beautiful. The square was built during the period when Trieste was the most important seaport of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The central main building is the City Hall, and the Generali Insurance Company, also born in Trieste, has its palace here.
You should see how the setting sun’s light reflects off the golden decorations of the corner palazzo! The square frequently hosts events, and many memorable things have happened here in the past. Starting with the not-so-cheerful: on September 18, 1938, Mussolini chose this square to announce the implementation of anti-Jewish laws. Putin met with the then-Italian Prime Minister here in 2013, Merkel and Macron visited in 2017, and the square has hosted concerts by Duran Duran, The Chemical Brothers, Snoop Dogg, Green Day, Carlos Santana, Iron Maiden, and Pope Francis will celebrate Mass here on July 7, 2024.
The fountain standing in the middle of the square is the Fountain of the Four Continents, completed in 1754. The then-known world is represented by four statues, and at the top of the fountain, a winged female figure rises with outstretched arms, symbolizing Trieste.