Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia
Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia
Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Rumples
Tucson, AZ11,391 contributions
Dec 2019
Trieste's main square had been our goal when we left the city's train station on foot 15 minutes before, but we were only looking for the tourist information office. We stood dumbstruck at this piazza, amazed by its size and offerings. Covering about 3 acres, the huge expanse spreads below the foot of San Giusto Hill on the East to the Adriatic Sea on the West. The giant city hall dominates the Eastern end, with offices, shops, cafes, bars and at least one hotel, filling neoclassical buildings that line the North and South. We were surprised that no cathedral stood here, as that is a common element in Italy's main squares.
There is virtually nothing else on the vast pavement, except a big fountain close to city hall and a statue of Emperor Charles VI, making this an excellent venue for outside concerts and special gatherings. On this December day, however, rain and a chilling wind kept most people at bay. We walked to the city hall to admire the manger scene on display and for a closer look at the Fountain of Four Continents, the number officially recognized when it was erected in the middle 1700s. The fountain's water was shut off, so it was impossible to get a feeling for what the work is like in full operation. Its design of rocks and groups of statues, however, failed to impress.
The tourist information office, which was supposed to be open next to the city hall, was closed for renovations, but another was nearby on a side street. I recommend going to the office before wandering around the square, because the tour has many details about the history, buildings and monuments there.
There is virtually nothing else on the vast pavement, except a big fountain close to city hall and a statue of Emperor Charles VI, making this an excellent venue for outside concerts and special gatherings. On this December day, however, rain and a chilling wind kept most people at bay. We walked to the city hall to admire the manger scene on display and for a closer look at the Fountain of Four Continents, the number officially recognized when it was erected in the middle 1700s. The fountain's water was shut off, so it was impossible to get a feeling for what the work is like in full operation. Its design of rocks and groups of statues, however, failed to impress.
The tourist information office, which was supposed to be open next to the city hall, was closed for renovations, but another was nearby on a side street. I recommend going to the office before wandering around the square, because the tour has many details about the history, buildings and monuments there.
Written November 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stewart C
Chatham, UK1,007 contributions
Jun 2022
We visited the Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia in Trieste whilst on a one day stop in the city on a Monday in June. Arriving on a cruise ship, we had opted to take a guided walk of the city and this area was on the route.
The Piazza is an impressive large are abounded on three sides by imposing buildings with some magnificent architecture. The fourth side is open to the sea though separated from it by the main road. Our guide explained that just as in Venice this area had been built on marsh land on timber piles and was the focal point of the administrative are of the city. There is an impressive looking fountain at the top end of the Piazza, regrettably not working on the day of our visit. There are coffee shops spread out around the perimeter of the square and it looked quite a pleasant place to take refreshment in the shade and watch the world go by.
A must see destination if you are visiting the city, and also very photogenic.
The Piazza is an impressive large are abounded on three sides by imposing buildings with some magnificent architecture. The fourth side is open to the sea though separated from it by the main road. Our guide explained that just as in Venice this area had been built on marsh land on timber piles and was the focal point of the administrative are of the city. There is an impressive looking fountain at the top end of the Piazza, regrettably not working on the day of our visit. There are coffee shops spread out around the perimeter of the square and it looked quite a pleasant place to take refreshment in the shade and watch the world go by.
A must see destination if you are visiting the city, and also very photogenic.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CalBristol
Weston super Mare, UK2,126 contributions
May 2022
This large square is the main square in Trieste and is surrounded on 3 sides by some very grand buildings and on the fourth side, it is open to the sea. Its the ideal place to sip a coffee and watch the world go by. Watch out for seagulls - they can be a bit aggressive!
Just across the road and to the right, is the Molo Audace - a short walk to the end of the pier will give you some wonderful views back across the water front of the city.
Just across the road and to the right, is the Molo Audace - a short walk to the end of the pier will give you some wonderful views back across the water front of the city.
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas K
Dresden, Germany4 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
I am sad, because I am in Trieste. I had imagined it to be so beautiful, and in fact it looks like Vienna by the sea at first. It used to be pretty wild here, it has an exciting history, but a few years ago the entire city centre was completely renovated and has degenerated into a soulless tourist bum. Pimped plastic people sit in plastic cafés and drink plastic cocktails to brain-dead plastic techno. It is such a shame.
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
saronic
Zurich, Switzerland25,860 contributions
Dec 2019
Trieste is at its most majestic by the Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia. Covered with sandstone slabs, free of traffic, it is surrounded by palaces and it is also facing the sea. Most guidebooks will tell you that this is Europe's largest square by the sea. Spontaneously Lisbon's Praça do Comércio came to my mind, which is more than twice as big, but okay it is facing a river, not really the sea.
Going around clockwise one will first pass the Palazzo del Governo with its mosaics at the façade. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it is the youngest structure here. Next comes the Casa Stratti, built for a rich Greek merchant, now housing the famous Café degli Specchi, a place not to miss, when here. The third palace on this side is the Palazzo Modello, the Town Hall, originally meant as a guesthouse.
The large building on the opposite side of the sea, with a tower at the centre and many arched windows, is the Palazzo del Municipio, a work by the Triestine architect Giuseppe Bruni, who also built the Palazzo Modello, and who was a representative of the eclecticism in architecture, mixing different past styles.
In front of the Palazzo del Municipio is the 'Fontana dei Quattro Continenti', the square's oldest structure, erected in 1750, which explains, why Australia is missing. Captain James Cook only landed on this continent 20 years later.
On the right side of the Piazza, looking at it from the sea, comes the oldest palace, the Palazzo Pitteri from 1790, today owned by the insurance company Lloyd Adriatico. Some tourists will know the next palace also from the inside, when they are staying here. Once as the 'Locanda Grande' the largest hotel in town, it has been renamed in the 1970's as 'Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta'. Last building on this side, close to the sea, is the Palazzo del Lloyd Triestino, now the seat of the regional government.
Going around clockwise one will first pass the Palazzo del Governo with its mosaics at the façade. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it is the youngest structure here. Next comes the Casa Stratti, built for a rich Greek merchant, now housing the famous Café degli Specchi, a place not to miss, when here. The third palace on this side is the Palazzo Modello, the Town Hall, originally meant as a guesthouse.
The large building on the opposite side of the sea, with a tower at the centre and many arched windows, is the Palazzo del Municipio, a work by the Triestine architect Giuseppe Bruni, who also built the Palazzo Modello, and who was a representative of the eclecticism in architecture, mixing different past styles.
In front of the Palazzo del Municipio is the 'Fontana dei Quattro Continenti', the square's oldest structure, erected in 1750, which explains, why Australia is missing. Captain James Cook only landed on this continent 20 years later.
On the right side of the Piazza, looking at it from the sea, comes the oldest palace, the Palazzo Pitteri from 1790, today owned by the insurance company Lloyd Adriatico. Some tourists will know the next palace also from the inside, when they are staying here. Once as the 'Locanda Grande' the largest hotel in town, it has been renamed in the 1970's as 'Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta'. Last building on this side, close to the sea, is the Palazzo del Lloyd Triestino, now the seat of the regional government.
Written October 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
marcellos375
Ferrara, Italy549 contributions
Aug 2020
Piazza Unità d'Italia is an opulent grand piazza, designed to make a statement in support of its name. It is large and spectacular, rich in details and impressive at night with the beautiful lighting. Shops and restaurants abound around it, and its location near the harbor makes it a logical stop during a promenade along the seaside of the city. Certainly worthwhile visiting, it can't be missed (literally).
Written August 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bonsi7
Antwerp, Belgium504 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
You can't miss Trieste's main majestic square on the seaside. This is the 0 meridian of the town replete with fine architecture and a good view of the ocean liner that happens to have moored here.
Also a great place for people watching and, of course, for a caffè.
Also a great place for people watching and, of course, for a caffè.
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David S
Middlesbrough, UK1,589 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
My family and I had a short stop off in Trieste whilst on a TUI cruiser and we all enjoyed the visit to this beautiful square which is very close to the port. The extremely large square is the main one in Trieste and is surrounded on three sides by extremely grand buildings and on the fourth side it has open access to the sea. There's plenty of cafes and restaurants around.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
B d A
Athens, Greece851 contributions
Jul 2021
Lisbon and Nancy have correlatives. This one stands as an open piazza with three built sides. All details worth delving into. The architecturality, the invested history, the cafes the flow of poeple, the sisparate crowds, the daychanges during the day. Before sunset it is extraordinary luminous and warm
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marla7
Naas, Ireland805 contributions
Jul 2022
Piazza dell'Unita' d'Italia is one of the most iconic locations in Trieste. It opens directly onto the sea and you get great views of the gulf from the edge of the square, as well as great views of the square from the Molo Audace. The square is very elegant, surrounded by Austro-Hungarian buildings including the townhall. You will find yourself crossing the square several times when you visit Trieste, and every time it will leave you enchanted.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
grantortino
20 contributions
Durante i concerti la piazza viene blindata o può assistere da dietro anche il pibblico non pagante?
6Guido
Padua, Italy72 contributions
Quando ci sono stato io da distante era visibile anche se molto lontano.
buonasera, vorrei sapere se via Genova sita nel Comune di Trieste è compresa in area ZTL. Grazie.
Marsia8
Trieste, Italy62 contributions
Via Genova è a 100 mt da Piazza Unità, ti conviene parcheggiare a Molo 4 e andare a piedi.
Si credo sia ztl o solo per residenti.
TheShadowJeeper
Lake Elmo, MN64 contributions
Hi, we are a group of 4 in our late 50's. We will be based out of Vienna during our 2 week trip starting last week of May. Is there any beach areas in Trieste area? We have been to Lignano Italy before and that was beautiful. Would you know if this is a similar experience?
Thanks,
Russ
Foodymme
Malta76 contributions
Hi there... yes there are beach areas in trieste but it’s best to get a taxi to one of the beach clubs about approximately 10 mins before trieste ... you can see them from the right of the main square near the docks .. you can get a day pass ...
if you prefer sand there is one close to city centre but a bit overcrowded
Hope this helps
dany83df
Carnago, Italy2 contributions
Sapete come si arriva in piazza dell’unità d’Italia dal porto?
Luciferait
Tagliacozzo, Italy71 contributions
Arrivando a Trieste in macchina, la piazza è in zona ZTL? Dove conviene parcheggiare?
Marsia8
Trieste, Italy62 contributions
Parcheggia al molo 4. In 5 minuti a piedi arrivi in Piazza.
marymccabe
Sea Cliff, NY8 contributions
Please tell me how close it is to the train station. I am traveling with my granddaughter and we never did anything like this before. We are staying at a friend stationed in Aviano and would like to take the train to Triste and Venice and Milan. And, also, do the trains run all night long. Is this even feasible? Or do we need a car. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Sandra D
Trieste, Italy20 contributions
It is 10 - 15 minutes on foot from the train station, so you most certainly do not need a car. There are also buses from the station which stop in front of the square itself. You must buy the ticket before boarding and validate it in the machine on the bus.
Sendi23
Toronto, Canada64 contributions
Hello,
I would just like to know if there is public parking close to the square ? Thanks
Suzana T
Pozarevac, Serbia14 contributions
Yes, there is a parking place across the square on the waterfront, but if you need to leave your car for a longer period of time, then it might be better to park somewhere in the street. You can park for free at the train station which is nearby if you can find a space.
Ben R
Melbourne, Australia45 contributions
Hello,
I have a question about Stazione di Trieste Centrale.
Does anybody know if this train station has baggage lockers for tourists to store suitcases in whilst sightseeing for just one day? Also, any info on the cost and dimensions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Ben.
Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia (Trieste) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia
- We recommend booking Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 12 Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia:
- Trieste Bus Tour with Audio Guide (From $14.29)
- Discover Trieste on Foot (From $153.84)
- Guided tour of Trieste / walking tour of Trieste with an authorized guide (From $214.28)
- Lunch trip to three countries from Piran (From $131.86)
- Experience Trieste (From $153.84)
- Hotels near Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia:
- (0.01 mi) La Stazione degli Artisti Bed & Art
- (0.02 mi) Hotel Città di Parenzo
- (0.03 mi) Al Corso
- (0.04 mi) The Modernist Hotel
- (0.08 mi) DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste
- Restaurants near Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia:
- (0.03 mi) The Modernist Bistrò
- (0.03 mi) Snack Bar Artisti
- (0.12 mi) Taverna ai Mastri d'Arme
- (0.11 mi) Antico Caffè Torinese
- (0.13 mi) Osteria Da Marino