by InTrieste
The University of Trieste recently commemorated its centennial, a milestone that highlights both its storied past and its aspirations for the future. Established on August 8, 1924, by Royal Decree No. 1338, the institution was originally named the “Royal University of Economic and Commercial Studies of Trieste.” It has since evolved into a multidisciplinary university renowned for its academic excellence.
The centenary celebration took place at the university’s main campus in Piazzale Europa. The event, hosted with enthusiasm by actor Davide Calabrese, showcased the university’s rich history and its commitment to future growth.
In a symbolic gesture reflecting its ongoing evolution, the university unveiled a Time Capsule, a hermetically sealed container filled with artifacts representing the past, present, and future of UniTS. The capsule was buried in the inner courtyard of the Piazzale Europa Campus and is scheduled to be reopened in fifty years by future generations who will discover its contents. Nearby, an olive tree and a rose from the San Giovanni Park Rose Garden were planted, representing peace and prosperity.
Adding to the celebratory mood, the university revived a long-lost tradition with the restoration and ringing of the Graduation Bell. The bell, which had not been used for thirty years, was reintroduced by Rector Roberto Di Lenarda as part of the centennial festivities.
A particularly poignant aspect of the event was the recounting of the Honor Book, an old volume containing signatures and messages from notable figures who have visited the University of Trieste. Among those remembered were poet Giuseppe Ungaretti, the Dalai Lama, Nobel laureate Rita Levi Montalcini, Holocaust survivor Liliana Segre, Pope John Paul II, and recent signatories including Pope Francis and former Slovenian President Borut Pahor.
The university also announced the reopening of a major exhibition, “1924-2024: A Century of History of the University of Trieste. Images and Documents,” at the Castello di San Giusto. The exhibition, which will be open to the public until November 10, 2024, features a comprehensive look at the university’s history through photographs and documents. It is presented in collaboration with the Municipality of Trieste and the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
In remarks made during the celebration, Rector Roberto Di Lenarda expressed gratitude to all who have contributed to the university’s success. “We wanted to dedicate a moment of celebration that connects the past, present, and future, illustrating how the university has grown and improved over time,” Di Lenarda said. “On this special day, I extend my thanks to our students, staff, institutions, research bodies, and the local community for their unwavering support.”
