Construction of the Porto Nuovo in Trieste

This evocative historical photograph documents a crucial phase in the urban and maritime development of Trieste: the construction of the Porto Nuovo (New Port, now known as Porto Vecchio) in the second half of the 19th century. The image offers a panoramic view of the maritime construction site, where incomplete quays, service rails for transporting materials, and large stone blocks are visible in the foreground. In the center, a pontoon equipped with a floating crane or sheerleg stands out, essential for placing the breakwaters. In the background, beyond the harbor basin occupied by various vessels, lies the cityscape, with the Lanterna—the historic lighthouse and symbol of Trieste—clearly recognizable on the right.