Piazza Unità d'Italia is Trieste's main square, which opens up onto the Gulf of Trieste and is surrounded by palazzi and public offices. This rectangular-shaped square is the largest waterfront square in Europe (there are few others directly overlooking the sea, another very famous one is Trade Square in Lisbon.) It hosts numerous events, performances and concerts, and is a favourite meetingplace for Triestines.At the centre of the Piazza is the Fontana dei Quattro Continenti (1751). The fountain was built to represent Trieste as a city of prosperity, thanks to its establishment as a Free Port by Charles VI and Maria Theresa of Austria's policy for developing the city.
The world is represented by four allegorical statues which recall the features of the people populating the four continents known at that time (Europe, Asia, Africa and America). In recent years, the fountain has been a victim of acts of vandalism which have damaged three of its four statues. Only Europe has been spared. The latest episode dates back to May 2008, when the statue representing Africa was decapitated and its head left lying on its body.
8 comments:
I like monumental fountains and that seems an impressive one.
I like the way the pic is composed, and the monochrome treatment is well thought of.
No respect at all for such a magnificent history — so sad.
But it's a beautiful monochrome photo, Rob! Magnificent looking plaza.
How horrible that people deface this beautiful statue. Idiots!
It is really necessary to enlarge this photo to fully appreciate it. Great focus and depth. And Trieste just seems to have so many beautiful things to photograph.
This is just so good! What makes the image is the figure striding across the back of the frame. Perfect timing. Bravo!
Foto molto bella!
Love this picture! I'm moving to Trieste come fall and wanted to thank you for showing me this city in your pictures!
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