La Contrada di Rena, once the guardian of the memory of the ancient Roman theater (arena), begins at the extremity of the Riborgo, near the "pozzo bianco", and ascends towards the upper part of the old city.
Palace at numbers 346-347
Among the most interesting buildings, the one at numbers 346-347 stands out. In 1728, when Emperor Carlo VI visited Trieste, this palace hosted the Venetian ambassadors, thanks to the hospitality of the Montarelli, Calò, and Grenna families.
This large building, originally with two floors and ten windows, passed into the ownership of:
- 1762: Marianna Burlo.
- 1820: Gioseffa Montanelli, who in 1836 exchanged it for an estate in Rojano.
- 1873: Tommaso Vram, who added a floor and created an elegant space with a garden, plants, flowers, grapes, and a well of fresh water.
Inside, valuable paintings can be admired, including a work by Carlo Veronese. Vram, passionate about culture and local history, kept a rich library there.
During a visit, it was discovered that the building rests on ancient foundations, perhaps from the Roman era. At the back, a section of the Roman aqueduct is visible in the wall facing the courtyard of the former Collegio.
Building at number 9 of via di Rena
Another noteworthy building is the four-story one at number 9 of via di Rena (and number 1 of via del Seminario), known as "casa dei bavaresi". In 1835, it housed Bavarian soldiers headed to Greece. This "caserma", with its ample spaces and labyrinths, was built by the Jesuits in 1740. After the suppression of the order, it passed to various owners, until Giuseppe Monti in 1880.
Building at number 45l on the "puntale di Rena"
The building at number 45l on the "puntale di Rena", overlooking the Riborgo, dates back to the XV century. With two floors and mezzanines, large halls and a courtyard with a well (typical of noble houses), it features a chiseled coat of arms, perhaps during the disorders of 1470. A wrought iron balcony decorates the facade.
In 1782, the anchor with the initials S.Z. on the door indicated the ownership of Salvador Zamimi, who succeeded Baron Andrea Marenzi. On the first floor, there was an appreciated infant asylum, known for its cleanliness.