Business · Companies · 10 hrs ago
Former Sistiana quarry transformed into Adriatic resort and village
A disused limestone quarry became Portopiccolo, a village on the Adriatic coast in Sistiana, near Trieste in northeastern Italy.
The quarry stopped operating in the 1970s, leaving a large rock face above the sea.
The development brings homes, shops, restaurants, a marina and a luxury resort together in one place.
The project was developed through the Rilke real estate fund and built by the Rizzani de Eccher group, with an investment of about €300 million.
It gives the former industrial site a new role in tourism, offering more than a short visit during Trieste’s sailing events.
The project aims to attract international visitors as well as residents, sailors and people seeking wellness breaks.
A disused limestone quarry at Sistiana has been transformed into Portopiccolo, a village and resort on the Adriatic.
The development includes residences, restaurants, shops, a marina and a luxury resort.
The quarry stopped operating in the 1970s, leaving a large rock face above the sea.
The project was developed through the Rilke real estate fund and built by Rizzani de Eccher.
The article describes Portopiccolo as an effort to attract international visitors and build tourism beyond major events such as the Barcolana.
- Who
- Portopiccolo was developed through the Rilke real estate fund and built by Rizzani de Eccher.
- What
- A former quarry has been turned into a village with residences, shops, restaurants, a marina and a luxury resort.
- When
- The quarry ceased operating in the 1970s. The article was published on 15 October 2026.
- Where
- Sistiana, in the municipality of Duino-Aurisina, on the Adriatic near Trieste.
- Why
- The project aimed to give the former industrial site a new purpose and create a tourism offering beyond major events.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Sistiana quarry stopped operating, leaving a large rock face above the sea.
Renzo Piano imagined a recovery project for the site, including a transparent walkway over the sea, but it was not built.
Portopiccolo was developed through the Rilke real estate fund and built by Rizzani de Eccher.
- Location
- Sistiana, municipality of Duino-Aurisina
- Quarry material
- Karst limestone
- Quarry closure
- 1970s
- Project investment
- About €300 million
- Developer and builder
- Rilke real estate fund; Rizzani de Eccher
What people are saying
You can’t do it, forget it