Tor Cucherna - Cucherla

The Walls of Trieste were well protected, dominated by high towers, surrounded by a ditch and other defense works. Five main doors opened along the walls that were double-locked at dusk.

Very little remains of these walls in present-day Trieste. In fact, the same were destroyed after the proclamation of the Free Port, in 1719, to leave the city the possibility to expand; leaving an easier circulation between the old city and the new city (Borgo Teresiano).

Tor Cucherna, this is the name of the only surviving tower in Trieste, was built in the 15th century, and remained in use until 1700 AD. C .; after which it was used as a three-storey house.

And this was precisely the reason why it was spared later by the new urban project following the proclamation of the Free Port.

This tower rises, and is still visible, on the hill of San Giusto a stone's throw from the famous Castle and not so far from the small Roman theater.

Its name probably derives from the German gucken (peek) from which the dialect word “cucar” also derives.

The tower, with clear medieval origins, was built in the 14th century and was originally used for night surveillance of the walls.

But it was really discovered by accident. Its discovery, in fact, is due to Antonio Tribel, a historian from Trieste, who in 1884 while carefully observing the masonry of a house; he noticed those strange and narrow openings of hers: the slits. The building was then destroyed to bring to light the only medieval tower in the city.

In 1910, it underwent restoration work which was partially modified in the year. The upper part, in fact, has been completely redone in red bricks. While the one below has remained in its original sandstone form.

The “current” Tor Chucherna brings back the medieval splendor of the city and for this reason it deserves a fleeting visit. It is surrounded by many houses and small streets. It is surprising for its very characteristic rectangular shape. It is about ten meters high and about five meters wide. Looking at it, it looks really special also for its Guelph-style battlements.

Map: Tor Cucherna - Cucherla