by InTrieste
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Adriatic Speleological Society of Trieste (SAS) is set to unveil an exclusive guided tour of the Teresian Aqueduct’s underground galleries, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the city’s hidden history.
Scheduled for Friday, April 19th, at 9:30 a.m., the event will kick off near Piazzale Gioberti, drawing twelve eager fifth-grade students from the Ancelle della Carità Primary School in Trieste. Led by seasoned educator and speleologist Alessandra Ressa, along with eight expert volunteers from SAS, the excursion promises to be an unforgettable journey into the depths beneath the San Giovanni neighborhood.
Constructed in 1751 under the auspices of Empress Maria Theresa, the Teresian Aqueduct stands as a testament to Trieste’s rich heritage. Lost to obscurity for over two centuries, its labyrinthine passages, spanning more than two kilometers, have been painstakingly unearthed through years of diligent excavation.
Managed by SAS through a partnership with the Municipality of Trieste, this remarkable feat of engineering now emerges as a priceless historical and architectural treasure. A symbol of the city’s pioneering spirit in water exploration, it underscores Trieste’s pivotal role in shaping the global field of speleology.
Yet, despite its historical significance, the site remains off-limits to the public. However, SAS, in collaboration with local authorities, is actively working to change that. Plans are underway to integrate the aqueduct into Trieste’s burgeoning tourist circuit, offering visitors a rare opportunity to delve into the city’s subterranean past.
As anticipation builds for Friday’s inaugural expedition, the SAS invites the world to join in celebrating Trieste’s rich heritage and the boundless spirit of exploration that defines it.
