Our Culture
Trieste
Trieste/Trst, the regional capital, is renowned for its rich architecture and cultural diversity
This central role is mirrored in the cultural life of the Slovenes in Italy.
In the heart of the city, Piazza Oberdan is home to the Centro Triestino del Libro / Tržaško knjižno središče, a modern bookstore offering a wide selection of Slovene literature. Just a short distance away is the renowned Narodni Dom, which houses Stik, the multimedia information centre for the Slovene community in Italy.
Sharing Knowledge, Stories, and News
On Via San Francesco, you’ll find the main branch of the Slovene National Library and Research Centre, which holds 170,000 items, including books, magazines, various publications, and audiovisual materials. The city is also home to two Slovene publishing houses—Editoriale Stampa Triestina (Založništvo tržaškega tiska) and Mladika—along with the editorial office of the Slovene-language daily newspaper Primorski dnevnik and the Slovene division of RAI, the national broadcasting service, where Slovene-language radio and TV programmes are produced.
In the Spotlight
One of Trieste’s most iconic buildings is the Kulturni dom on Via Petronio, home to the Slovene Permanent Theatre, which offers a rich subscription season and performances with Italian surtitles. The program ranges from Slovene to Italian and international works. The musical offerings are further enriched by Glasbena Matica, with its music school, and various associations that support numerous bands and choirs. Additionally, the city is home to several groups and bands dedicated to contemporary pop music.
A Connected and Active Community
Both in the city and the countryside, numerous cultural centres host theatre performances, concerts, and art exhibitions. These spaces bring together people of all ages who collaborate to organise events and initiatives that shape the local community. Young people attending Slovene high schools in San Giovanni will soon benefit from a modern youth section at the Slovene National Library and Research Centre, which will also serve as a social hub for students during their free time.
A Festival to Showcase Our Community
Every two years, the Union of Slovene Cultural Associations, in collaboration with other organisations, hosts Slofest in Trieste, giving Slovenes in Italy the opportunity to showcase their culture to a wider audience in the heart of the city. The programme includes specially curated events designed for the festival, focusing on key themes and notable figures from the region while exploring connections between the Italian and Slovene communities.
