by InTrieste
As an intense heatwave continues to affect the city, Trieste’s Department of Schools, Education, and Libraries is offering residents a welcome respite: a network of climate-controlled cultural spaces open to all.
The city’s public library system, along with the Museo Petrarchesco Piccolomineo and the Museo LETS – Literature Trieste, are inviting visitors to step inside for a break from the sweltering temperatures. These venues provide not only physical relief but also intellectual and cultural enrichment in a safe and comfortable environment.
Officials describe the initiative as an opportunity to reintroduce libraries and museums as inclusive community spaces—places not only for reading, studying, and accessing the internet, but also for quiet relaxation and reflection. Newspapers, magazines, books, and exhibitions are available for all ages, offering an alternative to staying indoors at home or braving the heat outside.
This move aligns with broader efforts across Europe to adapt public services to extreme weather conditions while reinforcing the social role of cultural institutions. Trieste’s libraries and literary museums, often overlooked during summer months, are positioning themselves as essential urban oases—blending tradition, knowledge, and now, climate resilience.