What if these walls could talk? The tale of Palazzo Economo begins in Trieste, a city where fortunes were made and social prominence was sought.
Palazzo Economo stands as a testament to the ambition of Giovanni Economo. He was a merchant of Greek origin. He commissioned its construction to reflect his elevated status. The palazzo is now home to offices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Giovanni Economo’s family arrived in Trieste in 1872. They hailed from Thessaloniki. Giovanni and his brother Demetrio acquired the land in 1884. They purchased it from Enrico Reiter. Giovanni Scalmanini, an architect trained in Venice, designed the Palazzo Economo. He presented three different designs between 1884 and 1887. The initial vision was grand. It would be a building similar to the nearby Palazzo Kallister. Construction began in 1887. Carlo Vallon took over the engineering aspects.
Around 1910, the Palazzo Economo saw a shift. Offices were converted into apartments. In 1927, the Salone Piemontese was added to the second floor. This baroque-era salon featured mirrored walls. The state acquired the entire building in 1974. The Superintendence of Friuli-Venezia Giulia then made it their headquarters. For a time, Palazzo Economo housed part of the National Gallery of Ancient Art of Trieste.
Palazzo Economo embodies typical merchant residences in Trieste. Its location near the waterfront was strategic. Warehouses occupied the ground floor. Offices were on the first floor. The main living area was on the “piano nobile”. The building was in poor condition when the state acquired it. It underwent restoration to modernize its services and systems. Palazzo Economo stands detached on Piazza Libertà. This enhances its visual impact.
The palazzo has three floors. Its facade is divided into three sections. Rusticated and smooth ashlar detailing adorns it. Two projecting bays are topped with turrets. Balconies feature Ionic columns. They mirror the central balcony above the entrance. The ground floor atrium has four Ionic columns. From here, a grand staircase with Corinthian columns ascends to the piano nobile. Allegorical canvases from the Caffè alla Stazione decorate the atrium. These late 19th-century paintings depict commerce, industry, and navigation. The 18th-century Salone Piemontese showcases exquisite mirrors. Intricate carved and gilded wood paneling adorns the room. Over-the-door panels display mythological scenes by Corrado Giaquinto and others.
In the atrium, a circular skylight illuminates the space. Below it, a painted band features small figures linked by garlands. The walls display faux marble finishes. Stucco pilasters and stone portals add depth. Restoration work has revealed original gilding on the stucco elements.
Palazzo Economo stands as a symbol of Trieste’s rich past. It shows the fusion of commerce, art, and ambition. It remains a significant landmark in the city. Its history echoes through its halls. It reminds us of the individuals who shaped Trieste’s unique identity.