High above the city sprawls Villa Necker a testament to Trieste’s rich history. This neoclassical gem sits proudly on what was once the land of the “Santi Martiri”. Imagine wealthy merchants from all over Europe investing in this area during the 18th and 19th centuries. Names like George Hepburn and Heim Camondo echo through the years. They built their villas nearby. Villa Necker stands as a pinnacle of this era’s development.
Villa Necker wasn’t always known by this name. It began life as a simpler country home. The 1776 sale documents refer to it as “a house located at the Marina in the Contrada di Santi Martiri”. The property included a garden and surrounding walls. Much of the credit for its design goes to architect Giacomo Marchini though some believe a French architect named Champion was involved.
Domenico Perinello bought Villa Necker. After his death the villa changed hands several times. Count Cassis Faraone purchased it in 1790 for a considerable sum. He dramatically transformed the villa and its gardens. He added water features an orangery and statues by the sculptor Antonio Marignani. The villa became a magnificent estate.
In 1820 Jerome Bonaparte Napoleon’s brother bought the villa. The Bonapartes added a chapel and a theatre. They embellished the facade adding a clock and Napoleonic eagles to the main hall’s fireplaces. Princess Caterina praised the villa’s extensive gardens and the stunning view of the gulf.
The villa’s name changed again in 1827. Alfonso de Necker a Swiss consul and businessman acquired it. From that point on it became known as Villa Necker. The renowned botanist Giuseppe Ruchinger tended the gardens. In 1851 the Austro-Hungarian Navy took ownership. It served as a hospital for decorated officers and soldiers after the Battle of Solferino.
Throughout its history Villa Necker hosted many distinguished guests. It housed admirals and commanders visiting the city. After 1918 it became state property. For decades it served as the headquarters of military commands. Today it is home to the Military Command of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Army. Villa Necker stands as a silent witness to Trieste’s vibrant past a captivating blend of history architecture and military significance. Its neoclassical facade still captures the charm of its illustrious past.