Was it a train stop? Yes, it was. This is ex Casello di San Giuseppe. It stands as a testament to a bygone era of transit. The old Trieste-Erpelle railway line once ran through here. Now it is a silent witness to the passage of time.
San Giuseppe della Chiusa is nearby. It got its name from the nearby Chiusa. The area boasts a rich history. San Giuseppe della Chiusa was an important feudo vescovile. It was known for its inhabitants’ number and wealth.
In the past, reaching San Giuseppe della Chiusa meant navigating specific routes. You could come from the Basovizza road. The road descended towards San Lorenzo and Sant’Antonio in Bosco. Another way was from the Rosandra road toward Domio and Log. Or, you turned right after the Cattinara junction. This way meant ascending towards Basovizza. This latter road opened in the early 1800s.
A column marked Trieste’s boundary with its outer districts. This column featured a votive capital. It depicted Joseph and Mary’s flight into Egypt. Since 2005, the stele has been at the Orto Lapidario of San Giusto.
Let me tell you about a fascinating event. Once there was a small church dedicated to S. Giorgio Martire. It was known since at least 1645. In 1749 something amazing happened. An inhabitant saw the votive lamp burning. The lamp was usually without oil. News spread. Pilgrims came. Church officials investigated. They sealed the doors and windows. Yet, the lamp kept burning. Pope Innocenzo XII acknowledged this event. He established a congregation. Maria Theresa of Austria’s firstborn son, Joseph II, was the first member.
The church was renamed Santuario di San Giuseppe in 1750. Empress Maria Theresa donated beautiful vestments. These are now in the Museo Etnografico. Due to the influx of pilgrims the church was enlarged. It was rebuilt with twin bell towers. Bishop Antonio Herberstein consecrated it in 1771. It became a cappellania in 1778. It became a parish in 1905.
Inside, the church displayed a late Baroque style. The altar had original sculptures by local artisans. A fresco from 1770 by Pasquale Perriello depicted the patron saint’s death and ascension. The church also featured an organ with 200 pipes from 1750. A unique cross at the entrance reminded one of “ora et labora”.
The church experienced a schism in the early 1900s. It involved part of the Slovenian community. It lasted ten years and resolved with a Viennese bishop’s help.
Today a small Museo Etnografico stands across from the church. Inside are farming tools. These include a wooden cradle for bread dough, wine presses, and a traditional kitchen setting.
Imagine the bustle of passengers. Think of the trains rumbling through ex Casello di San Giuseppe. It is a quiet reminder of the past.