by InTrieste
As the Adriatic city prepares to host the 57th edition of the Barcolana, the annual sailing regatta that draws thousands of boats and spectators, municipal officials have announced a series of traffic and parking restrictions aimed at ensuring safety and managing crowds.
The measures, outlined in Ordinance No. 895-25, will be in effect from late September through mid-October, coinciding with Barcolana events scheduled from October 1 to 12, 2025.
Among the most significant steps is the closure of sections of Trieste’s waterfront roads during peak regatta activities. From the evening of Friday, October 10, through Sunday, October 12, vehicle traffic will be restricted along the Rive — the city’s central seafront boulevard — between Riva del Mandracchio and Piazza Nicolò Tommaseo. Additional closures are planned in the historic center, including Via Diaz, Via Cadorna, and the Cavana district, where evening festivities traditionally attract large crowds.
Parking bans will be introduced in several key areas starting as early as September 26. These include Via dell’Orologio, near the regional government building, Piazzale Straulino near the former “Bruno Bianchi” swimming complex, and sections of Via Genova, Via San Carlo, and Piazza Duca degli Abruzzi. Temporary restrictions will also apply to parking lots in Piazzale delle Puglie, Park Bovedo on Viale Miramare, and the Opicina “quadrivio,” reducing available spaces by more than 100 spots.
To facilitate traffic flow during the regatta itself, one-way systems will be put in place on roads leading to the Karst plateau, including Strada del Friuli and Via San Nazario. Emergency vehicles, law enforcement, and authorized event vehicles will be exempt from most restrictions.
The city has also announced a “Park & Bus Barcolana 2025” initiative, allowing visitors to use designated lots and shuttle services to reach the waterfront. Spaces reserved for disabled drivers and electric vehicle charging stations will remain available throughout.
The Barcolana, known as the “Autumn Cup,” is one of the world’s largest sailing regattas, attracting professional crews, amateurs, and enthusiasts from around the globe. With its mix of competitive racing and festive atmosphere, it has become a defining moment in Trieste’s cultural calendar — and a logistical challenge for city officials managing tens of thousands of visitors.
