If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 716

 

 

 

 

 

La Cattedrale di San Giusto, anteriore al 1840 [Saint Justus, Trieste Cathedral, exterior ca 1840]

 

This is another postcard of three cards from a booklet set that was sent by my friend who lives in Italy.  There is no blurb on the reverse, only the title at the upper left corner.  On the reverse center line: “… Tipografia Villaggio del Fancliullo – Trieste” [printing or publishing house, Villaggio del Fancliullo, Trieste].  The featured illustration on the card looks as if it may be a watercolor painting.  Once again the picture includes people dressed in the clothing of yesteryear that provides us a glimpse of what it might been like in the mid 1800s.

 

This cathedral is one of the historical monuments in Trieste.  My friend says that even though the city has completely changed since the 13^th century, some buildings from that era are still standing including this one. 

 

The first religious building was constructed on this site in the 6^th century using part of an existing Roman structure.  Remains of the original mosaic flooring has been integrated into a modern floor.  Also, markings from the original Christian building can still be seen on the outer walls.  Between the 9^th and 11^th centuries two basilicas were erected on the ruins of the old church.  One was dedicated to Our Lady of Assumption and the second was dedicated to Saint Justus (San Giusto).  Then in the 14^th century more changes were made when one nave was demolished and the two basilicas were then joined.  This resulted in the construction of a asymmetrical façade, a Gothic rose window, and a new bell tower.  Romanesque debris stones were used in some of the remodeling.  In the 1930s archaeological excavations exposed more of the remains of the Roman forum and civic building.  Two lower-floor columns have been reconstructed.  

 

 

I found it fascinating and interesting that items from previous buildings were incorporated, saved, or reconstructed to enhance and preserve the history of the site and the building.  As always, thank you to my friend for sharing the card.

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedial.org/wiki/Trieste_Cathedral