by InTrieste
On a crisp Thursday morning, the usually quiet streets of Opicina, a village on the outskirts of Trieste, come alive with a colorful array of stalls and gazebos. Nestled near the intersection of ancient trade routes, the historic marketplace known as “Un Pozzo di Occasioni”—literally, “A Well of Opportunities”—will return this Thursday, October 17, offering a rare blend of antiques, modern collectibles, and handmade crafts.
Curated by the cultural association Cose di Vecchie Case, the market has evolved over the years into a beloved fixture in Opicina. It provides a space where artisans, hobbyists, and collectors from across the region display their wares in a celebration of craftsmanship and history. The open-air bazaar, co-organized with the Municipality of Trieste, is designed not only to captivate residents and tourists alike but to boost the local economy by attracting foot traffic to the village’s shops and cafés.
A Tradition Reimagined
As has become customary every third Thursday of the month, the market will unfold along Via Nazionale, Strada per Vienna, and Via di Prosecco—three streets whose history is steeped in trade. From 8 a.m. to sunset, visitors will browse stalls offering everything from vintage vinyl records to delicate Murano glass, crocheted lace, and miniature figurines.
“A market like this offers people a tangible link to the past,” says Giovanna Rossi, a local vendor who specializes in glassworks and handcrafted jewelry. “Each piece tells a story.”
Antiques enthusiasts will find no shortage of unique items: 19th-century comic books, miniature train sets, and heirloom furniture sit side by side with curiosities like painted stones and wood carvings shaped into animals. For lovers of artisanal products, the market provides an opportunity to discover the work of craftspeople whose traditional methods stand in stark contrast to the modern, mass-produced goods found in most city shops.
History in the Air
Opicina’s connection to trade is no accident. The village sits along what was once known as the “Commercial Road,” a major thoroughfare designed in the 18th century by Karl von Zinzendorf, the then-Governor of Trieste. The road connected the bustling port city with the Karst Plateau, stretching all the way to Vienna. Zinzendorf’s vision for Opicina helped transform it into a key transit point for merchants and travelers alike.
To commemorate this legacy, Zinzendorf commissioned the Stele of Zinzendorf, a monument erected at the crossroads of Strada per Vienna and Via di Prosecco, not far from the marketplace. It serves as a reminder of the village’s role in opening up trade between Trieste and the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The market owes its name to a well that once stood near the stele, built during the same period to ensure a reliable water supply for local residents. Though the well has long been removed, its symbolic presence lingers—an echo of Opicina’s former role as a vital link between empires.
A Growing Legacy
Founded in 1998, Cose di Vecchie Case celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023 and continues to draw a diverse crowd of more than 100 vendors to its events. The association, which boasts over 350 members, is known for organizing similar markets in towns across the region, from Grado to Muggia, always aiming to preserve local culture and foster a community of artisans.
“Our goal is not just to showcase antiques and collectibles,” says Francesco Barone, president of the association. “It’s to breathe life back into these villages, to create spaces where art, history, and commerce intersect.”
The October 17 market is expected to be especially vibrant, with autumn-themed items and décor, including handmade soaps, paintings on silk, and vintage ceramic pieces. As the seasons change, vendors will shift their offerings to match the mood—whether it’s through cozy knitwear or rustic wooden crafts.
For visitors, “Un Pozzo di Occasioni” represents more than a chance to shop—it’s an opportunity to experience a slice of history in one of the region’s most picturesque villages. As the day fades into evening and the stalls close up, the market’s impact lingers, leaving both merchants and buyers anticipating next month’s gathering.
The next market day is scheduled for November 19, weather permitting. Should heavy rain or winds descend on the village, the event will be rescheduled.
