by In Trieste
We chatted with the director of Trieste’s daily newspaper, Il Piccolo, Omar Monestier about the importance of the current historical moment for the city of Trieste.
Are you from Trieste?
Omar Monestier: I was born in the mountain region of Veneto, outside of Belluno. The province of Belluno is a lot less Venetian than the rest of the region. For a long time it was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire becoming Italianized later than other regions. In many ways it reminds me of Trieste’s history.
How so?
Trieste was for a long time the Italian city of the Austro-Hungarian empire, but it wasn’t a city in Italy thus it was used to seeing things from a different perspective. And me as well, I am used to seeing things without necessarily connecting them to national identities. I feel good in Trieste exactly because I don’t feel connected to one nation or state, which is a common limit for many Italians these days.
Do you speak Triestino?
I understand it very well being from Veneto as the Triestine dialect is Istro-Venetian and a lot of words are very similar. My Triestine colleagues speak to me in dialect and I appreciate it a lot as it makes me feel as if I am one of them. At times I use some Triestine expressions as it reminds me of the dialect I heard speaking while growing up.
Do you feel at home in Trieste?
Yes, but I have to say I never had any problems getting used to a place having traveled many Italian cities for work. I think Italy is still an incredible place to live.
What’s your read on Trieste’s nomination of the “best Italian city” by Il Sole 24 Ore?
These rankings have a symbolic value, so I don’t really believe them. However, psychologically it’s a very important fact as Trieste is finally breaking free from the endless tragedy of being the eastern border city. After 1954 Trieste was inside a so-called glass bubble with little economic development and scarce vitality. But in the past 5-10 years this city has reclaimed its imperial dimension, the reason why Austro-Hungarian empire chose it in the first place. So yes, this is a grand moment for Trieste. There are many funds being invested in the city. The last time Trieste had so much cash flowing in was at the end of the 1800’s during the transformation of the port into an urban center. This ranking underlines the importance of the current historical moment for Trieste and will most likely galvanize the city.
