Marvelous Arco di Riccardo isn’t it? This magnificent archway stands proudly in Trieste’s historic Old City. It’s a gateway to the past a silent storyteller of Roman times.
The Arco di Riccardo is more than just a pretty arch. Some believe it was an entrance to Roman Trieste Tergeste in Latin. It dates back to the first century BC. Its decorations were possibly added later in the first century AD.
Intriguing isn’t it? The arch’s name itself is a mystery. One theory suggests it’s named after Richard I the Lionheart. Legend claims he was imprisoned in Trieste during his travels. Another theory links it to the word cardo. Cardo was the name of a main Roman road. Another claims it is named after a neighboring courthouse Ricario.
Notice the arch’s size. It’s 23 feet tall and 17 feet wide. It’s not huge but it’s presence is commanding. It survived centuries sometimes incorporated into buildings. One side was even excavated in 1913. The other remains nestled in a modern building.
Imagine yourself walking under the Arco di Riccardo. Feel the cool stone beneath your feet. Picture the bustling Roman streets around you. The arch stands as a reminder of Trieste’s long and rich history. A history that continues to unfold around it today in bars cafes and restaurants. It is a testament to the endurance of a fascinating past.