by InTrieste
On October 18 and 19, the FAI Autumn Days return to Trieste, offering residents and visitors alike a rare opportunity to explore two of the city’s most storied buildings — the Palazzo della Cassa di Risparmio di Trieste and the Palazzo of the Banca d’Italia. The initiative, now in its fourteenth edition, is part of a nationwide event organized by the Italian Environment Fund (FAI – Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano ETS) to celebrate and promote Italy’s cultural and natural heritage.
Throughout the weekend, the FAI Giovani group of Trieste, together with local volunteers, will host guided tours highlighting the city’s architectural and artistic treasures. The initiative reflects the foundation’s broader mission: to foster civic awareness and appreciation for Italy’s vast cultural heritage, encouraging public participation in its preservation and promotion.
Participation in the FAI Autumn Days not only allows visitors to discover otherwise inaccessible spaces but also provides a way to support the foundation’s ongoing work. Donations collected during the event go toward the maintenance and enhancement of Italy’s historic and environmental landmarks.
A Journey Through History and Creativity: Palazzo della Cassa di Risparmio di Trieste
Located at Via della Cassa di Risparmio 10, the Palazzo della Cassa di Risparmio di Trieste will open its doors to the public on both days from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the last visit at 5:30 p.m.
This special tour offers a journey through time — from the building’s historic roots to its contemporary role as a hub of creativity. Visitors will have exclusive access to the headquarters of the Fondazione CRTrieste, home to the “Collezione Arte e Industria Stock” and part of the foundation’s own art collection, featuring significant works by local artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The tour continues to the fourth floor, where ITS Arcademy — Italy’s first museum dedicated to contemporary fashion — presents an exhibition of designs by emerging international talents. The space showcases fashion as both an artistic language and a creative expression of modern identity.
Guided tours will be conducted by FAI Giovani volunteers and ITS Arcademy guides. Visits in English will take place on Saturday, October 18, at 11:30 a.m., and in Slovenian on Sunday, October 19, at 11:30 a.m., both by reservation via email (trieste@faigiovani.fondoambiente.it). FAI members receive priority access, and new memberships can be purchased on-site at a reduced rate.
Exploring the Banking Heritage: Banca d’Italia
At Corso Cavour 13, the Banca d’Italia’s Trieste branch — a landmark of late 19th-century architecture — will also welcome visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the last visit beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Built in the heart of the Borgo Teresiano district after the reclamation of the city’s salt flats, the palazzo was originally designed by architects Müller and Geiringer and constructed by Giorgio Polli for the Austro-Hungarian Bank. It became part of the Banca d’Italia in 1918, and subsequent expansions by engineer Biagio Accolti-Gil and architect Arduino Berlam gave the building its present form.
During the guided visits, participants will have the opportunity to admire the building’s neoclassical architecture and learn about its transformation over more than a century of financial history. The tours, curated by FAI Giovani volunteers, are available by reservation through this link until October 17. Slovenian-language visits will take place on Sunday, October 19, at 9:30 a.m., and special tours for the visually impaired can be arranged in advance.
For more information and full program details, visit www.giornatefai.it
