Piazza della Borsa is one of the main squares in Trieste. Also known as the 'second good city lounge' the square has been the economic center of the city throughout the 19th century.
The place where the square stands was in ancient times just outside the city centre, near the 'Vienna gate' and the line of the ancient walls.
The square was initially called ‘Piazza della Dogana’. Its current name derives from the Greek temple–style structure built in the square itself in 1806 by the architect Antonio Mollari to host the activities of the stock traders. This building, which still distinguishes the square and which is one of the most relevant examples of Trieste's neoclassical monuments, is currently the seat of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture of Trieste, and it is also called ‘Borsa Vecchia’ (Old Stock Exchange). In fact, the stock exchange has moved in an adjacent building since 1928, which is called ‘Borsa Nuova’ (New Stock Exchange).
Numerous other buildings overlook the square, mostly used as banking offices or shops, including an Art Nouveau building built by the architect Max Fabiani in 1905 (Bartoli house) and the covered gallery of Tergesteo palace, which creates a pedestrian connection.
In the square you will also find a stone column that supports the figure of the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I of Austria.