by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interview: Francesco Montalvo, CEO of Despar Aspiag Service S.r.l.; Fabrizio Cicero Santalena, Regional Director of Despar for Friuli Venezia Giulia; Roberto Dipiazza, Mayor of Trieste
Despar Nord has inaugurated its 30th store in Trieste with the opening of “Despar Cavana” in Piazza di Cavana 2, marking a significant milestone in urban renewal and historical preservation within the city’s core.
Located in Palazzo Fontana, an architecturally significant building designed by Pietro Nobile between 1827 and 1830, the new supermarket revives the site’s original commercial purpose, once home to the city’s salt market and later a fish market. The project combines quality retail with careful restoration, bringing contemporary commerce into dialogue with Trieste’s rich architectural legacy.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by regional and city officials, including Pierpaolo Roberti, Regional Councillor for Local Autonomies, Public Function, Security, and Immigration of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Roberto Dipiazza, Mayor of Trieste, alongside Despar Nord’s Regional Director Fabrizio Cicero, institutional representatives, company leaders, and local residents.
Despar Cavana employs 21 staff members, 11 of whom are newly hired. Sustainability and the promotion of local products are key features of the store, which spans approximately 250 square meters and incorporates low-impact energy solutions and environmentally conscious design elements.
The store’s interior design reflects the building’s historical layers, with references to its past functions as a fish market and a pharmacy from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Large uninterrupted glass panes allow natural light and visibility, while mirrored panels at lower levels echo the urban surroundings and the city’s relationship with the sea.
Offering a variety of departments including fresh produce, a delicatessen, pizzeria, bakery, meat section, and extensive fresh and frozen goods, the store stocks over 3,500 items. A strong emphasis on local products aligns with Despar Nord’s broader “Sapori del Territorio” initiative, which supports regional producers from Friuli Venezia Giulia.
The project, developed in close cooperation with the Soprintendenza (the heritage preservation authority), local public entities, and the municipality, exemplifies a thoughtful integration of modern retail within a protected historic environment, revitalizing a landmark site while catering to both residents and visitors.
