by InTrieste
This weekend, Trieste marks the 70th anniversary of its historic return to Italy with a series of events that blend art, history, and community engagement. From interactive workshops to guided tours and an evocative urban trek, the celebrations offer something for all ages while reflecting on a pivotal moment in the city’s past.
The centerpiece of the commemoration is the exhibition “Vola Colomba. Lunario triestino 1953-54,” an evocative showcase featuring 300 photographs and period artifacts. Housed in the historic Palazzo Gopcevich, the exhibition captures the tense final days of November 1953 and the jubilant celebrations that followed Trieste’s reintegration into Italy in October 1954. Open to the public until December 8, the exhibition is free of charge and accessible Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Creative Workshops for Adults and Children
To complement the exhibition, acclaimed photographer Andrea Buffolo will lead free workshops designed to immerse participants in the art of historical photographic techniques.
On Saturday, November 23, Buffolo will guide adults through the intricate process of contact printing using traditional methods, such as gum bichromate printing. Held in the Educational Room of Palazzo Gopcevich, the workshop runs from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and participants will have the chance to create and keep their handmade prints.
The following day, Sunday, November 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Buffolo will host a workshop for children aged 6 to 11. Young participants will craft unique photograms using UV light exposure and pre-sensitized paper, creating personalized prints they can take home. No adult supervision is required for this session.
Guided Tours and Urban Treks
At 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, curator Claudia Colecchia will lead a free guided tour of “Vola Colomba” in Palazzo Gopcevich’s Selva Hall, offering insights into the exhibit’s rare archival materials.
The celebrations continue at 11:30 a.m. with an urban trekking tour, “In the Trieste of the GMA,” led by cultural historian Francesca Pitacco. Organized by the association Cizerouno, the trek invites participants to explore the city’s neighborhoods once governed by the Allied Military Government (GMA) after World War II. The hour-long journey costs €10 and requires advance registration at info@cizerouno.
A Shared History, A Collective Memory
Trieste’s return to Italy after nearly a decade of post-war uncertainty remains a defining chapter in the city’s history. These events not only commemorate that momentous occasion but also invite residents and visitors to reflect on the enduring spirit of a city that has long served as a cultural and historical crossroads.
For further information or to reserve a spot in the workshops, contact cmsafototeca@comune.trieste.it.
