By Alessandra Ressa
The Biblioteca Statale Stelio Crise in Trieste is much more than a library; it is a living institution that connects Trieste’s complex past with its vibrant present. By preserving the city’s rich literary heritage and fostering a love for learning, it has become a cornerstone of cultural life in the region—an essential destination for scholars, students, and anyone passionate about knowledge and history.
But the library is not just that—it offers visitors a breathtaking experience as they enter room after room adorned with sophisticated frescoes, stuccoes, and stunningly decorated ceilings. Located in central Largo Papa Giovanni, just minutes from the vibrant cafés and restaurants of Via Torino and the charming shops of Cavana, the Biblioteca Statale Stelio Crise is housed in Palazzo Brambilla-Morpurgo, a distinguished 19th-century building constructed between 1840 and 1843. It was designed by architect Francesco Bruyn during a period of significant urban development in the city.
Originally commissioned by businessman Giuseppe Brambilla, the palace was soon sold to Elio Morpurgo, a member of a prominent Jewish family with deep roots in the region. The Morpurgo family retained ownership until 1924. Throughout the 20th century, the building served various roles, including as the headquarters of the Fascist Militia and the Fascist Union of Industrial Workers between the World Wars. In 1983, it became the property of the CGIL, CISL, and UIL trade union confederations. Recognizing its historical and artistic significance, the Italian Ministry for Cultural and Environmental Heritage declared it a protected building in 1988 and undertook comprehensive restoration efforts in the early 1990s.
The state library Stelio Crise was relocated to Palazzo Brambilla-Morpurgo in 1998. Today, it stands as one of the most prominent state libraries in the country. In 2009, it was renamed in honor of Stelio Crise, a distinguished literary critic, essayist, and cultural promoter who made significant contributions to the city’s cultural life.
The library’s holdings include over 500,000 volumes, ranging from early printed books and manuscripts to contemporary publications. Its rich special collections include incunabula, rare books, and archives that provide invaluable insight into the intellectual and literary development of the region.
Among the library’s prized possessions is a substantial collection of Slovene, Croatian, and German works, reflecting Trieste’s multilingual and multicultural identity. The library also maintains important local historical archives, serving as a key research hub for historians and scholars studying the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.
In addition to its vast literary resources, the Biblioteca Statale Stelio Crise offers a variety of services aimed at the general public and academic communities. These include:
- Reading rooms and study spaces
- Public exhibitions showcasing rare manuscripts, artworks, and thematic collections
- Lectures, seminars, and book presentations
- Educational workshops and initiatives for schools and young readers
- Digital access to catalogs and digitized archives
Do not miss its wonderful gardens, where you can enjoy reading in the shade of century-old trees.
Beyond its practical function as a repository of knowledge, the Biblioteca Statale Stelio Crise serves as a symbol of cultural resilience and diversity. In a city that has been a crossroads of civilizations for centuries, the library embodies the spirit of dialogue, learning, and intercultural exchange. It is also a hub for literary and intellectual discourse, often collaborating with universities, research institutions, and cultural organizations both in Italy and abroad.
