by Nina Vaclavikova
interviews: Elisa Lodi, Trieste Councilor for Municipal Property; Massimo Tognolli, Trieste Councilor for Social Policies
The Municipal Pharmacy Al Cedro, one of Trieste’s longest-running public pharmacies, reopened Tuesday in Piazza Oberdan following more than two years of restoration work that combined modern upgrades with the preservation of its historic character.
City officials, including Mayor Roberto Dipiazza and several members of the municipal administration, attended the reopening ceremony alongside pharmacy staff and representatives of the local pharmacists’ association.
Located on the ground floor of Casa Czorzy, an 1838 building designed by architect Giovanni Battista de Puppi, the pharmacy has operated continuously since 1924 and has served as a municipal institution since 1982, when ownership passed to the City of Trieste.
The renovation, valued at approximately €550,000, included the removal of architectural barriers, the replacement of mechanical and electrical systems, and the redesign of the pharmacy’s interior to improve accessibility and functionality. Municipal officials said additional structural work became necessary during construction because of the building’s protected historic status.
Rather than replacing the pharmacy’s original furnishings, the city worked with the regional heritage authority to restore the century-old wooden cabinets and display units. The restored furniture now greets visitors at the entrance, creating a historical pathway that connects the building’s past with its newly renovated interior.
Mayor Roberto Dipiazza described the project as an important investment for the city, calling the renewed pharmacy a modern and welcoming public space that will benefit residents.
Elisa Lodi, the city councilor responsible for municipal property, said the reopening reflected a joint effort between departments overseeing public works and social services. She noted that the project aimed not only to modernize the facility but also to preserve its architectural heritage while improving access for all users.
Officials emphasized that municipal pharmacies serve a broader public role than dispensing medication, providing residents with health advice, preventive services and a familiar point of contact within the community.
The renovated facility features updated interiors, improved lighting and a refreshed visual identity while maintaining elements that reflect its century-long history. City representatives said the project reinforces the pharmacy’s role as a publicly owned service designed to meet the healthcare needs of Trieste residents rather than functioning solely as a commercial enterprise.
