by InTrieste
A free guided botanical walk through Piazza Hortis on Saturday will highlight monumental trees, urban biodiversity and the history of one of Trieste’s oldest public gardens.
TRIESTE — One of Trieste’s historic squares will become an open-air classroom on Saturday, Aug. 29, as residents and visitors are invited to explore the remarkable collection of centuries-old trees that define Piazza Attilio Hortis.
The free event, part of the city’s botanical series R-invasati: Tutti pazzi per le piante (“Crazy About Plants”), combines natural history with the cultural heritage of the square, offering a guided walk suitable for families, amateur botanists and curious visitors of all ages.
Among the highlights is the monumental European hackberry (Celtis australis), a protected tree estimated to be more than 180 years old. Known in Italian as spaccasassi, or “rock splitter,” the species is celebrated for its powerful root system and towering canopy, making it one of the city’s most significant living landmarks.
Participants will also encounter ginkgo biloba trees — often described as living fossils because their lineage dates back millions of years — alongside evergreen holm oaks adapted to Trieste’s fierce Bora winds, as well as yews and plane trees that shape the character of the square.
The walk will weave botanical observations with stories about Piazza Hortis, including its origins as a monastic site and its longstanding connection to the neighboring civic museums.
The tour will be led by Franco Bersan, Tiziana Cimolino and Max Saule, with the group meeting at 11 a.m. in front of the historic museum on Piazza Hortis. Admission is free and no reservation is required.
