San Silvestro, Romanesque church in Old Town, Trieste, Italy.
San Silvestro is a Romanesque church in Trieste's Old Town, featuring a Latin cross layout with a central nave flanked by two side aisles. The interior is organized by colonnades supporting barrel vaulting that divides and shapes the space.
The church was built in the mid-12th century under Bishop Bernardo and served as Trieste's primary Catholic place of worship for centuries. In 1784, the building changed purpose and began hosting Protestant congregations.
The church displays several artworks from the 14th century, including frescoes depicting Emperor Constantine and the Annunciation, along with a marble relief showing the Last Supper. These works tell stories that visitors can discover while exploring the interior.
The building is located in the Old Town near Teatro Romano and San Giusto Cathedral, accessed through a Romanesque portico beneath the bell tower on Androna dei Grigioni. Visitors should note that access involves walking through narrow, historic streets and bringing a map or smartphone can help locate the entrance.
The bell tower may have originally been integrated as a fortification into Trieste's Roman walls, combining military and religious functions. This dual purpose is a rare feature that reflects the city's layered history.
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