Historically called Piazza Grande, on one side it directly overlooks the sea of the Gulf of Trieste and on the other three sides it is surrounded by the following splendid buildings: Palazzo Modello and Casa Stratti, hosting the historic Caffè degli Specchi, Palazzo del Governo, Palazzo del Lloyd Triestino, Hotel Duchi d’Aosta and the baroque Palazzo Pitteri. At the bottom of the square is the Town Hall with its arcades and the tower clock, above which the statues of the two moors beat time.

Continue along the banks to get to the district known as Borgo Teresiano, rising on the ancient salt pan area around the Ponterosso channel that was purged by the Empress Maria Teresa of Austria to meet the growing needs of the people in Trieste. It was first inhabited mainly by merchants and traders, then following the great development it attracted the interest of artists who embellished the palaces with their works, still visible on many buildings today.

Returning toward the square, you get to Piazza della Borsa, with the palace of the Chamber of Commerce, distinguished by the Doric colonnade recalling that of the Greek temples. The city of Trieste and the Danube are depicted among the statues at the top. On the left is the palace of the Tergesteo palace, which was designed as a centre for trade activities and as a deposit during the war. On the right side is Casa Rusconi, a rare example of baroque architecture in Trieste. Casa Bartoli, an example of Art Nouveau in Trieste with large windows is also found on the square.

You will get to the G. Verdi public theatre, built in neoclassical architecture and inspired by the Teatro alla Scala, by passing through the Tergesteo Gallery. During the year the opera season is organised here in winter and the Operetta Festival in summer.