Venue

The old Port of Trieste (Porto Vecchio Trieste), located in the heart of the city, covers an area of about 600,000 sq.m. and visually links Miramare Castle, Barcola (a maritime neighborhood of Trieste) and San Giusto Castle and follows three directions: a central one, connecting the port with the city, a second one, corresponding to the piers, and a third one, adjacent to the railway.

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The old Port of Trieste, historically the principal port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the 19th century, emerged as an important commercial hub for the global cargo handling due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean and its status of free port.  In 1890, the port saw the construction of a hydrodynamic plant that drew water from the water system to supply energy to various consumption points. This centralized energy generator powered quay cranes, external cranes, and internal hoists within the port warehouses.

In the 20th century in response to the growth of trade with the Middle East and Far East created by the opening of the Suez Canal the port was renewed and additional buildings and piers were added to increase its capacity.

 

Nowadays, the Port of Trieste has been relocated to a different area of the city, allowing Trieste to compete with other European ports in terms of contemporary maritime trade and logistics.

 

The area is now being revitalized with projects that include the restoration of historic warehouses, the creation of museums, art spaces, and business centers, as well as the development of residential and recreational facilities. Among others, it currently hosts the Museo del Mare, which showcases the maritime history and seafaring heritage of Trieste, the Immaginario Scientifico, an interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits and educational activities for visitors of all ages and the Trieste Convention Center. 

 

The ambitious initiative of requalifying the Old Port of Trieste area aims to reconnect the city with its waterfront, preserving its historic heritage.