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Arco di Riccardo: Trieste's Ancient Gateway

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Discover Trieste's oldest monument, the Arco di Riccardo, a Roman arch dating back to 33 BC, seamlessly blending history with modern city life.

The Arco di Riccardo, or Richard's Arch, is a Roman triumphal arch dating back to 33-32 BC, marking it as the oldest monument in Trieste. Integrated into the modern city, this arch offers a captivating glimpse into Trieste's Roman past.

A brief summary to Arco di Riccardo

  • Piazza del Barbacan, Trieste, Province of Trieste, 34121, IT
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Arco di Riccardo.

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
  • Explore the charming Piazza del Barbacan surrounding the arch, filled with cafes and local shops.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through Trieste's old town to discover other nearby historical sites.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Arco di Riccardo is located in the heart of Trieste's Città Vecchia (Old City), making it easily accessible on foot. From Piazza Unità d'Italia, head east towards Via della Borsa, then turn left onto Via del Teatro Romano. Continue onto Via di Cavana, and after a short walk, you'll arrive at Piazza del Barbacan, where the arch is located. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Trieste Centrale train station, you can reach Arco di Riccardo by taking bus line 20 towards 'Piazza della Libertà' and get off at 'Piazza del Barbacan'. The arch is a short walk from the bus stop. Bus tickets cost €1.50 for a one-way ticket. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, tobacconists, or through the Trieste Trasporti app.

  • Driving

    If driving, take the A4 motorway and exit towards Trieste city center. Navigate to Piazza del Barbacan, where the Arco di Riccardo is located. Parking is available in nearby parking lots, such as Parking Saba Silos or Parking Saba Foro Ulpiano, with hourly rates around €2.10. Be aware that parking in the city center can be challenging.

Discover more about Arco di Riccardo

The Arco di Riccardo, nestled in the heart of Trieste's old town, is a captivating reminder of the city's ancient Roman origins. Constructed between 33 and 32 BC, during the reign of Emperor Augustus, it stands as the oldest monument in Trieste and the only remaining gateway of the city's original Roman walls.Standing at 7.2 meters tall, the arch is a simple yet striking structure, its weathered stones whispering tales of centuries past. Corinthian capitals subtly adorn the arch, hinting at the architectural styles of the 1st century AD. The arch once marked the Cardo Maximus, the main north-south road in Roman cities.While popular legend attributes the name to Richard the Lionheart, a Crusader king who may have passed through Trieste, a more plausible explanation links the name to a corruption of "Arco del Cardo," referencing its location on the ancient Roman road. Another theory suggests the name comes from "Arco del Ricario," a nearby medieval courthouse.Today, the Arco di Riccardo is seamlessly integrated into the urban landscape, with one side still nestled within a modern building. The arch stands in the charming Piazza del Barbacan, surrounded by colorful buildings, cafes, and bars, creating a unique juxtaposition of ancient history and contemporary life.

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