Right here at the Molo Sartorio, we find ourselves at a place of significant historical and scientific importance. The Molo Sartorio itself is a part of Trieste’s central harbor basin. It sits just southeast of the conference center. But more than just a pier, it’s a monument to measurement and maritime history.
The Molo Sartorio owes its name to the Sartorio family. This family of bankers and traders were very important to the northern Adriatic region. Their influence extended so far that the Civico Museo Sartorio also bears their name. The Sartorio family left an indelible mark on Trieste.
But what makes the Ancora di Molo Sartorio truly special is its role in establishing a crucial benchmark. In the 19th century, a very important tide gauge was installed here. This tide gauge precisely recorded the sea level over a long period. It was operated by the Marine Observatory founded in 1841. The Military Geographical Institute also contributed.
From the Molo Sartorio, measurements were taken until 1875. They resumed again until 1900. The average sea level observed became Austria-Hungary’s zero level. This was for their “meters above the Adriatic” height system. This standard is still very important for Southeast Europe today. Albania uses a different gauge in Durrës.
The tide gauge station still stands. You can find it in a cabin on the northeast side of the Molo Sartorio. It is the oldest station in the Adriatic. The first observations date back to 1859.
The Molo Sartorio station uses three float-type tide gauges. Two are digital and one is analog. The digital gauges record sea levels every minute. The analog gauge continuously records on paper. All values relate to the Zero Istituto Talassografico. This is the origin of the tide gauge’s reference system. Twice a month the system is calibrated against the Piastrina Mareografica. It is the main benchmark of the tide gauge.
These observations are carefully archived. Many are accessible through international portals. These portals are dedicated to sea level observation programs. Trieste’s CNR has long collaborated with these programs. Monthly and annual averages since 1875 are downloadable from the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level. Hourly data from 2009 is available from the Global Sea Level Observing System. The Trieste Molo Sartorio station is part of GLOSS’s Core Network. Its number is 340.
The station also houses a tide gauge for the Civil Protection of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. This ensures continuous monitoring of sea levels for safety purposes. The geographical coordinates of the station are latitude 45° 38′ 50.0″ N and longitude 13° 45′ 33.9″ E.
So, as you stand here at the Ancora di Molo Sartorio, remember its significance. This pier helped define the very measurement of height for a large part of Europe. It is a testament to Trieste’s enduring role in science and maritime history.