by InTrieste
In recent days, the commencement of shipyard operations has marked a significant milestone in the eastern precincts of Piazza Carlo Alberto’s garden, the focal point of a meticulous renovation effort aimed at preserving its iconic pergola.
This municipal enclave, steeped in historical resonance as the erstwhile venue for early 20th-century trade fairs, now nestled between Franca, Hermet, Tagliapietra, and Locchi streets, has been reimagined as a public square since its transformation into a verdant sanctuary in March 1935, at the behest of the Podestà.
Addressing the topographical challenges of the site, three distinct levels at varying elevations were crafted, with a central expanse flanked by symmetrical pergolas, originally fashioned from pine logs felled along the carriageway leading to the Cacciatore. Subsequently, in the 1960s, an additional terrace was fashioned to accommodate a basketball court.
However, the pergola now under scrutiny has long been shuttered due to the structural compromise of its wooden framework, which once supported luxuriant foliage, compounded by concerns over the integrity of the load-bearing brick pillars.
Reflecting on the impending rejuvenation, Michele Babuder, the Assessor for Territorial Policies, remarked, “The exploration of Piazza Carlo Alberto last year, undertaken in tandem with our technical teams, laid the groundwork for preserving the intrinsic architectural heritage, including the foundational stone beneath the pergola. Our vision extends further, envisioning comprehensive enhancements to the garden, including the revival of its fountain, thereby reinstating it as a vibrant communal space within the span of the next four months.”
The extensive refurbishment of this cherished landmark has been enshrined within the Triennial Program of Public Works 2020/2022, following the allocation of resources totaling €203,211.18.
The envisioned intervention encompasses the reconstruction of the eastern pergola atop the upper terrace, necessitating the dismantling of the incumbent structure while salvaging elements of the original stone pavement and preserving essential infrastructure. To ensure longevity and reduce maintenance, the replacement pillars, echoing the existing architectural schema, will be forged from corten steel, renowned for its resilience against environmental degradation.
Endorsed by the local Landscape Commission and the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, the project received requisite regulatory approvals mandated under Legislative Decree 42/2004.
