Piazza Venezia (Venice Square), Trieste

Venice Square stands as one of Trieste’s most renowned public spaces, set at the heart of the historic Borgo Giuseppino district. The square, once known as Josephine Square (Piazza Giuseppina) or Ganza Square (Piazza Ganza), was created following the land reclamation of streets previously facing the sea, with its paving completed in 1865. Its position offers breathtaking views across the Adriatic Sea to the majestic Dolomites, including peaks such as Civetta, Monte Pelmo, and Antelao.

Architectural and cultural highlights abound around the square. At civic number 5 stands the Revoltella Palace, built in 1858 by architect Friedrich Hitzig, once the home of Baron Pasquale Revoltella. Today it houses the Revoltella Museum, showcasing the baron’s gifted collection of around 350 paintings and sculptures. Nearby lies the Mizzan Pharmacy, inaugurated in 1903, renowned for its original carved boiserie and stained‑glass windows with mythological motifs. Though officially called “Al Sant’Andrea,” many locals still refer to it affectionately as “Mizzan”.

At the center of the square is the imposing monument to Maximilian I of Mexico, sculpted by Johannes Schilling. Inaugurated in 1875 before Emperor Franz Joseph’s presence, the bronze statue (over nine meters tall) depicts Maximilian in an admiral’s uniform, gazing toward Miramare Castle. Its octagonal base features allegories of the four continents and symbolic motifs honoring the arts, science, poetry, and industry. The monument was removed after World War I and subsequently returned in 2009.

Surrounding the square, Torino Road (via Torino) extends from Venice Square and has long been acknowledged as the vibrant core of Trieste’s nightlife and social life. For visitors, Venice Square offers more than scenic beauty-it serves as a rich tapestry of history, art, and culture, ideal for those eager to experience the layered heritage of Trieste at a leisurely pace.