by InTrieste
The regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia has opened public access to documents outlining its ambitious plan to redevelop the Barcola waterfront, a popular coastal stretch in Trieste. Citizens will be able to follow the project’s progress online and submit comments and suggestions during the upcoming consultation phases.
The initiative, presented by Fabio Scoccimarro, the regional councillor for the environment, aims to protect the shoreline while expanding recreational opportunities and sustainable mobility along the city’s best-known seaside promenade. The project was conceived in response to the violent storms of 2023, which underscored the vulnerability of the coast to erosion and rising sea levels.
According to regional officials, the administrative process will continue with the publication of preliminary documents, including an urban planning variant, by the end of September. These will form the basis for an environmental assessment and consultations with relevant authorities.
The redevelopment plan envisions a wide-ranging transformation of Barcola’s coastline, structured around 11 focus areas. These include new breakwaters, pebble beaches, renovated swimming areas at the historic “Topolini” bathing pavilions, tidal pools, spaces for water sports, enhanced pedestrian and cycling paths, and improved accessibility for all users.
If completed as proposed, the changes would dramatically expand public access to the sea. The number of entry points would rise from 21 to 39, the length of equipped coastline would increase from 777 meters to 3,250, and the area available for bathing would grow from 6,818 square meters to nearly 53,000 — a 677 percent increase.
Scoccimarro described the initiative as a chance to both preserve and reinvent Trieste’s relationship with the sea. “Improving and expanding services for our citizens while making the coast more resilient to climate change will also benefit tourism, which continues to thrive in Trieste,” he said.
The regional government emphasized that the consultation process is designed to involve citizens directly. Public feedback, to be collected through the official project website, will help shape the final form of a project that leaders say could redefine not only Trieste’s seafront but also the city’s broader urban identity.
