by InTrieste
At a recent event held at Café Rossetti, the Rotary Club Trieste unveiled its twenty-ninth volume in a series dedicated to showcasing and preserving the city’s rich historical heritage. The latest release, Itineraries in Roman Trieste – From the Propylon of San Giusto to the Sea, offers a fresh perspective on the ancient city’s architectural and cultural landscape.
Authored by Monika Verzár, a distinguished scholar and former professor of Archaeology at the University of Trieste, the book is an in-depth exploration of Roman Trieste. Verzár, whose previous works include significant studies on the excavations at Aquileia and the Roman Theater of Trieste, has meticulously documented the city’s historical evolution and the pathways to its most noteworthy remnants.
Central to this volume is the Propylon of San Giusto, a monumental structure that has recently undergone extensive restoration. This project, spearheaded by the Rotary Club Trieste, has brought to light a piece of Trieste’s past that had been obscured by time and neglect. The Propylon, a high-quality architectural gem, now features enhanced visibility and accessibility, thanks to a comprehensive restoration effort.
Cristina Benussi’s accompanying essay, Rome in Trieste: The History of a Myth, delves into the development of Trieste’s Roman narrative, exploring how Roman heritage has been used to bolster the city’s prestige and identity over the centuries. Benussi’s analysis highlights the ways in which the city’s Roman past has been leveraged to shape both local identity and political sentiment.
The initiative to create a series of detailed yet accessible guides to Trieste’s lesser-known monuments and museums originated with Gino Pavan, a revered Rotarian and former Superintendent for Architectural, Archaeological, Artistic, and Historical Heritage of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The guides, designed to piece together the city’s complex history, are a testament to Pavan’s vision and the Rotary Club’s commitment to public education.
Not all historical treasures lie hidden beneath the earth or within secret chambers. Sometimes, they are right before our eyes, shrouded by neglect. The Propylon of San Giusto, once obscured by grime and disrepair, has been restored to its former glory through the collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club and local experts.
During the 2019-2020 Rotary year, under the leadership of Francesco Granbassi, the club funded and oversaw the restoration of the Propylon. Partnering with the Casali Foundation and guided by professionals such as architect Aulo Guagnini and cultural heritage expert Alessandro Zanmarchi, the project not only cleaned and repaired the monument but also reimagined its presentation for modern visitors.
Significant improvements include the removal of obstructive elements, the installation of a new lighting system to highlight architectural features, and the creation of a visitor pathway that guides guests from the monumental entrance to the bell chamber. A unique “suspended” glass walkway has been added, allowing visitors to view the architectural layers and discover the older bell tower integrated into the structure.
The restoration of the Propylon inspired the publication of this latest volume, which invites readers to explore the Roman roots of Trieste, one of the richest archaeological sites north of Rome. Starting at San Giusto Hill, the guide leads visitors through key historical sites, including the Arch of Riccardo, the Tetrapylon, the Forum, the Theater, and the hidden city’s port and residential areas.
The presentation of the volume, introduced by Francesco Granbassi and current Rotary Club Trieste president Alessandro Zanmarchi, was curated by Simonetta Bonomi, former Superintendent for Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Bonomi engaged in a discussion with Verzár and Benussi, shedding light on the importance of preserving and understanding Trieste’s rich historical tapestry.
