by InTrieste
In approximately 50 days, the Empress Elisabeth of Austria monument in Piazza della Libertà will be surrounded by a protective railing, a measure aimed at enhancing safety and preserving the site’s historical significance. The project, approved by both the Municipality and the Superintendency, is modeled after similar upgrades completed recently in Piazza Venezia.
Workers are currently laying the foundations for the railing, which will encircle the flower bed around the statue. The €70,000 initiative includes restoring damaged stonework, particularly on the steps, and replanting shrubs within the flower bed. The delicate task began behind the statue, an area that houses control units for the square’s infrastructure, according to Michele Babuder, Trieste’s Councillor for Territorial Planning.
In addition to the railing, the square’s outdated lighting system will be replaced. Edison is developing a new illumination plan to better showcase the monument, which honors the 19th-century Austrian empress affectionately known as “Sissi.”
The project is part of broader efforts to revitalize Piazza della Libertà. Over the past 18 months, the square has seen significant improvements, including repairs to its irrigation system, landscaping upgrades, thorough cleaning, and the installation of new waste-sorting containers.
This initiative aligns with regional discussions on securing and maintaining urban green spaces. Fabio Scoccimarro, the Regional Councillor for Environmental Protection, has proposed funding for fencing and video surveillance in parks and gardens across Friuli Venezia Giulia. Scoccimarro suggested that such measures could also be considered for Piazza della Libertà, should the city request additional support.
The Municipality emphasized that the railing will echo the original design of the monument, portions of which are preserved at the nearby Miramare Castle. By blending preservation with modern enhancements, the project seeks to balance historical integrity with contemporary needs for security and maintenance.
