by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Elisa Lodi, Trieste Councilor for Real Estate Heritage and Sports; Massimo Tognolli, Trieste Councilor for Social Policies
The city of Trieste has introduced a new accessibility device and launched reading initiatives at the historic Pedocin beach facility, known officially as Alla Lanterna, in an effort to broaden access to both recreation and culture.
City officials on Monday unveiled the SeaTrac Mover, a solar-powered system designed to help people with disabilities enter and exit the sea independently. The device, which operates on a rail extending from the shore into the water, is currently installed in the men’s section of the beach but can be relocated as needed.
Speaking at the presentation, municipal officials described the project as part of a broader effort to make public spaces more inclusive. The SeaTrac Mover was purchased this spring and represents an investment of just over €52,000, including maintenance for the current year.
The event also marked the launch of two reading areas, one in each section of the beach facility. Equipped with bookshelves and seating, the spaces are intended to encourage reading and book sharing through a bookcrossing program developed in collaboration with the city’s library service.
The initiative is part of Trieste’s broader “Biblioteca Diffusa” (Distributed Library) network, which promotes access to books and cultural resources across the city. Officials said the new reading areas aim to make literature more accessible in informal community settings.
Opened in 1903, Pedocin remains one of Trieste’s most distinctive landmarks. The beach is notable for maintaining separate men’s and women’s areas divided by a wall, a feature that continues to attract visitors interested in its unique history and traditions.
The municipality also released the results of a recent visitor survey conducted in May. Among 60 respondents, the facility received an average satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5, with cleanliness, comfort and staff courtesy cited among its strongest attributes.
