RAS INSURANCE AND ITS BUILDING

Trieste, prospering in the 19th century thanks to the Free Port, saw the birth of several important insurance companies. The ideal city itinerary includes their architectural and artistic heritage, unfortunately not always accessible to the public.

Founded in Trieste in 1838 as a subsidiary of Adriatico Banco di Assicurazioni, Riunione Adriatica di Sicurtà (RAS) was one of the first Italian insurance companies. For its headquarters, it commissioned the famous Berlam architects to build an imposing building in the heart of the city, with a facade designed to enhance the square. The building is distinguished by the use of wrought-iron gates, two-tone stonework and richly decorated interiors, including a Roman mosaic and a monumental fountain. Architectural and artistic choices, from marble decorations to porcelain tiles, were executed with great care.

Following its relocation to Milan after World War II, a period of great expansion for RAS, the company came under the control of the Pesenti and Ravano families in the 1960s. In 1984, Allianz acquired the Pesenti stake and, in 2007, the RAS brand was integrated into Allianz SpA.

The original Trieste headquarters, after a thorough renovation, reopened in 2019 as the DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste hotel, retaining its original look and character.