TRIESTE – A new chapter for poet Saba’s bookstore
Salonichio: Jewish community takes center stage

“In Trieste, where sorrows abound amidst the beauty of sky and land, there is a slope called Via del Monte. It begins with a synagogue,” wrote the poet Umberto Saba in his youth, between 1910 and 1912. Years later, not far from “his” Via del Monte, the poet would take over the historic Libreria Antica e Moderna (Ancient and modern bookstore) from Giuseppe Mayländer. This “dark den”, as Saba called it, would become his haven until his death in 1957.
By the end of this year, the bookstore, now known as Libreria Antiquaria Umberto Saba and owned by the Jewish Community of Trieste, will reopen to the public after a meticulous restoration. The restoration, funded by public and private sponsors, aimed to respect the building’s historical significance. “It was an extensive effort, carefully adhering to all regulations and requirements tied to this landmark,” explained to Pagine Ebraiche Alessandro Salonichio, president of the Jewish Community. “Specialized teams restored the original condition, cleaning and organizing the walls, replacing the parquet, and upgrading safety, electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning systems. Numerous volunteers assisted in clearing, cleaning, and repositioning books and furnishings.”

“A joyful moment”

The antiquarian bookstore houses approximately 30,000 volumes and various artifacts from a bygone era. “It’s a fascinating space that must be preserved,” emphasized Salonichio, who on October 28 returned the keys to the family of Mario Cerne, the bookstore’s long-time manager who passed away in January. While the Cerne family plans to transfer management, “the Community, as a third party, will closely oversee the process to ensure continuity,” said Salonichio.
The key-handover ceremony gathered local officials and citizens alike. “It was a joyful and meaningful moment, as well as a renewed acknowledgment of the Community’s pivotal role in the area,” said Salonichio. “We have ve seen this connection not only in this endeavor but also in broader initiatives. During the commemoration of the first anniversary of October 7 pogrom, hundreds of people stood with us—alongside the mayor and local officials—in a show of empathy and solidarity that has been deeply comforting.”
Looking ahead, new projects are underway, including a virtual reality initiative centered on the ancient Jewish cemetery on Via del Monte, situated just next the Community offices and school. Saba also wrote about this cemetery in a poem, describing it as “so dear to my thoughts, as I imagine my elders, after much hardship and trading, buried there, all alike in spirit and face.”

Adam Smulevich