by Alessandra Ressa
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, March 8, 2025, the Società Adriatica di Speleologia of Trieste is offering an extraordinary and unique opportunity for women: the exclusive opening of the Teresian Aqueduct Tunnels, an important historical site in the city that is normally not accessible to the public. This special event will be reserved for women only, with advance booking required to participate in the guided tour of one of Trieste’s most fascinating and less-known architectural marvels.
What will make this visit even more special is the presence of the women from the Società Adriatica di Speleologia, a group of experts who, over the last four years, have played a key role in the restoration of this extraordinary structure. These women, true pioneers in the recovery and protection of historical and natural heritage, will guide participants through the galleries, sharing their enthusiasm and firsthand experience in the recovery of a site that, until recent times, was hidden from the public eye and believed lost forever.
The SAS speleologists, all women with a deep passion for speleology and heritage conservation, will offer a unique perspective of the site, unveiling the secrets hidden in the depths of the city and telling fascinating stories about its construction and use over the centuries. The female-led approach to the tour will offer a different and rich perspective full of history, passion, and dedication, which will undoubtedly captivate the participants.
The Teresian Aqueduct Galleries, entrusted to the SAS through an agreement with the Municipality of Trieste, are a fundamental part of the city’s history. Built in the mid-1700s during the reign of Maria Theresa of Austria, the aqueduct was designed to meet the city’s water supply needs, an engineering challenge that contributed to Trieste’s urban and industrial development. The underground galleries, which stretch through the city, are today a silent witness to that era. Their extraordinary opening will allow visitors to immerse themselves in a hidden corner of Trieste’s heritage, far from the usual tourist routes.
Reservations can be made by calling +39 338 1655327 no later than 12:00 PM on Friday, March 7. The visit, organized by the Società Adriatica di Speleologia, is free of charge, but daily SSI insurance is mandatory at a cost of €3.50. The insurance procedure will be provided when making the reservation. The tours are limited in number and will take place at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM, with a meeting point at Piazzale Gioberti. Participation is not recommended for those with mobility difficulties. However, the SAS is working to make this extraordinary site accessible to all in the near future. Guided tour in English is available upon request.
