Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta

Tradition meets contemporary interiors in one of Trieste’s most symbolic locations: Piazza Unità d’Italia.

The refurbishments were carried out by the Egidio Panzera Architect studio and involved the façade, Michelin-starred restaurant Harry’s Piccolo, café Harry’s Bar, the bedrooms and the common areas of the historic hotel. A charming residence, part of the Relais et Château chain, where marble embellishes the common spaces and the bathrooms of the suites and prestige rooms.

Time-honoured techniques and local materials, such as Fior di Pesco Carnico^® – a marble from the only existing quarry in the world in Forni Avoltri (UD) and available in striking shades ranging from grey to pink, white to ivory –, characterise the lift frames and embellish the body of the staircase, transforming it into a vertical art gallery.

Stepping through the wooden doors of the original entrance hall, we find ourselves face to face with perimeter columns covered with Rosso Verona marble, inlaid like the pilasters of the building’s façade, which sit on the original walnut parquet floor thanks to the brass joints.

Complexity, contrast, reflection: the design of the new rooms is inspired by the most distinctive characteristics of the city of Trieste.

Interpreting the theme of complexity in the hallway and bathroom space, the bathroom hall and walk-in wardrobe are separated and in contrast with the sleeping area, divided by a secret door concealed in the wall. Upon entering, we are greeted by a contemporary space with precious tactile surfaces: a dark wood ceiling, Venetian-style flooring, cement resins and, most notably, striking walls in Fior di Pesco Carnico^®, Port Laurent and Palissandro, which reflect the light to create a unique and sophisticated ambience.

An acid-etched glass panel separates the entrance-walk-in wardrobe area from the bathroom, while the niche walk-in wardrobe is decorated in the acid tones of the marble veins.