by InTrieste
Beneath the bustling streets of Trieste, an archaeological discovery has sparked excitement among scholars and locals alike. Recent infrastructure work along Viale Miramare has uncovered what experts believe to be a beaten path and sandstone slabs, linked to the grand foundations of a building that may have been part of the “New Lazzaretto,” a quarantine station commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria in 1768.
The discovery was made just before the railway bridge on Viale Miramare, where ACEGAS-APS, the local utility company, has been replacing pipelines. As workers dug into the ground, they unearthed traces of a structure documented in cartographic records from the 18th and 19th centuries. This Lazzaretto was a critical facility during its time, featuring a basin where ships arriving in Trieste would dock for quarantine to prevent the spread of diseases.
Archaeologists from the Superintendency for Archaeological Heritage of Friuli Venezia Giulia have overseen the project since its inception, ensuring that historical treasures are carefully preserved. The team plans to continue monitoring the site until the work is completed. Temporary pauses in construction may be necessary to conduct stratigraphic tests, which could help verify the dating of the newly uncovered features.
“This is an extraordinary find,” said a spokesperson for the Superintendency. “It offers a rare glimpse into the urban and maritime history of Trieste, connecting us to the city’s role as a crucial hub in the Habsburg Monarchy.”
Efforts are underway to compare the current findings with historic maps from the 18th and 19th centuries. Researchers aim to confirm the preliminary hypothesis that the structure is part of the New Lazzaretto, a facility that underscores the city’s historical importance as a gateway to Central Europe.
The discovery adds another layer to Trieste’s rich archaeological heritage, which includes Roman ruins, medieval fortifications, and Habsburg-era architecture. It also highlights the delicate balance between urban development and the preservation of cultural history. The findings serve as a poignant reminder of the city’s resilience and enduring ties to its maritime past.
While work along Viale Miramare progresses, the uncovering of the Lazzaretto’s remnants offers an opportunity to reflect on Trieste’s multifaceted history. As scholars work to piece together the story of this hidden structure, the city’s residents and visitors are reminded of the layers of history that lie just beneath their feet.
Source: Superintendency for Archaeological Heritage of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
