by InTrieste
This Easter weekend, the beloved botanical fair returns for its 19th edition, once again transforming the San Giovanni Cultural Park — a verdant public space housed in a former psychiatric hospital — into a colorful, fragrant celebration of nature, culture, and community.
From Saturday, April 19 through Monday, April 21, more than 80 exhibitors from across Italy and neighboring countries will showcase a dazzling array of flora: heirloom roses, alpine blossoms, aromatic herbs, succulents, perennials, and rare collectible plants. But the event is more than just a plant sale. It’s a gathering place, a ritual of renewal, and a nod to Trieste’s unique blend of Mitteleuropean charm and Mediterranean warmth.
Founded by the local social cooperative Agricola Monte San Pantaleone and curated by horticulturalist Lili Soldatich, Horti Tergestini has blossomed into one of the most anticipated events on the regional calendar. Its longevity and popularity are a testament to the city’s enduring love of gardens — and to the way public green spaces here serve as stages for both beauty and dialogue.
In addition to the vibrant market stalls, the three-day event offers a full program of workshops for children and adults, hands-on demonstrations, and five presentations of newly published books related to gardening, ecology, and sustainable living. Visitors can browse handmade goods crafted from wood, iron, and fabric, sample eco-conscious fashion, and enjoy locally produced food — all amid the scent of lavender and wild thyme drifting through the air.
This year’s guest of honor is Loris Dilena, a renowned naturalist who has spent over four decades studying the ecosystems of Istria, Dalmatia, and the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Revered for his deep knowledge and poetic appreciation of these borderlands, Dilena will lead a series of talks and nature walks that reflect his lifelong dedication to understanding — and protecting — the landscapes he calls home.
For Triestini, the event holds a particular emotional resonance. “Horti Tergestini is more than a fair,” Soldatich said. “It’s the moment when the city breathes differently. The moment when spring arrives — not just in nature, but in us.”
