Trieste International Piano Festival
July 8-19, 2026 - Trieste
Facilities: Scuola di Musica 55/Casa della Musica
The Trieste International Piano Festival is hosted on the premises of Scuola di Musica 55 / Casa della Musica, which has been a cornerstone of Trieste’s musical life since 1988. Located on Via dei Capitelli 3—just a four-minute walk from the iconic Piazza Unità d’Italia—it offers an inspiring setting in the heart of the city. The school includes a welcoming lobby, a charming concert auditorium ideal for intimate solo recitals and masterclasses, and numerous dedicated piano practice rooms.
Lodging: Palazzo Vivante/Student Dormitory
Just an eight-minute walk from Scuola di Musica 55 and eleven minutes from Piazza Unità d’Italia, Palazzo Vivante—located at Largo Papa Giovanni XXIII, 7—has been one of Trieste’s architectural gems since 1844. Since 1999, part of the building has served as a residence for students and visitors, offering double rooms with private bathrooms as well as shared amenities such as a gym, sports court, and a game room. Festival participants choosing the Tuition + Lodging package will stay in double rooms at the Palazzo Vivante, checking in on Tuesday, July 7 and checking out on Monday, July 20, 2026.
“With its blend of Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slovenian influences, Trieste is a treasure borne from water–a real-life Atlantis that has something to offer the artist, historian, and nature-lover alike.” – Andrew Howley for the National Geographic (2014)
A crossroads of cultures for over two millennia, Trieste has evolved from a thriving Roman port to a powerful maritime rival of Venice and, later, the principal seaport of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its elegant neoclassical architecture reflects the vision of Maria Theresa and the Habsburg era. Experience Trieste’s rich multicultural past and unique blend of Italian and Central European influences in its iconic landmarks, seaside promenades, charming side streets, delicious cuisine, and world-class coffee—all just steps from the Festival. Enjoy festival-organized cultural events and excursions, or set out on your own to explore this vibrant city. No matter how you spend your time, you’ll return home with unforgettable memories from twelve days filled with music, art, architecture, and the unmistakable beauty of Trieste and the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region.
