Casa Jakič, also known as the Villa delle Cipolle or the Russian House, is a historic villa located in Barcola, a coastal district of Trieste. Built in the late 19th century by Father Anton Jakič, a known sympathizer of the Tsar, the villa is a rare example of eclectic architecture inspired by Russo-Byzantine models, notably featuring distinctive copper-covered domes supported by a wooden framework crafted by the artisan Francesco Gasperini.
Historical Context
- The villa was declared habitable on August 14, 1897
- Anton Jakič officially moved there two years later from the historic Lloyd headquarters in Piazza delle Poste (now Piazza Vittorio Veneto)
- During the 20th century, the villa changed ownership multiple times
- Since 1963, it was subdivided into four apartments within a small condominium
- Structural changes have been limited mostly to interior modifications in the 1950s and 1978
Architectural and Artistic Features
- The interiors are adorned with decorations by local painters, preserving a historic and Renaissance charm
- The villa's exterior enjoys a privileged location on Viale Miramare, offering breathtaking views over Barcola's pinewood and the sea
- The area was enhanced by the 1958 land reclamation project that extended the shore
Cultural Significance
The villa is popularly called the Russian House due to the cultural influence of its builder, symbolizing a period when Trieste was a cultural crossroads between Central Europe and the Russian Empire. The building is not open for internal visits but is admired for its unique architectural style and historical importance within Barcola and Trieste.
Curiosities
- Local rumors suggest the villa was once an elegant brothel and gambling house, although no documented evidence supports this
- One apartment belonged for many years to Mario Periatti, a relative of the storyteller, who eventually acquired most of the condominium garden plots
Therefore, Casa Jakič is both an important architectural monument and a piece of Trieste's social history, bearing witness to the cultural and urban transformations of the Barcola district.