Viale XX Settembre (September 20th Avenue), Trieste

Saint Nicholas has his traditional December festival on XX September Avenue (Viale XX Settembre ) in Trieste. From 9 am to 9 pm, 86 or more stalls offer food, toys, and gifts. The site is a haven of peace compared to the chaotically busy Battista Street. The XX September Avenue, built over the city's ancient aqueduct, is mainly pedestrianized and tree-lined.

The XX September Avenue links with Carducci Street and the Il Giulia shopping center. Some of the city's best cinemas are located here. There is the Excelsior, the National Cinema (Cinema Nazionale), the Super, and the Mignon (a vintage adult cinema). The Ambassadors Cinema (Cinema Ambasciatori) is housed in one of the most important Art Nouveau buildings in the city center. The Rossetti theatre is located on the street.

Gelaterias, pizzerias, patisseries, and fine restaurants and shops are easy to find. The avenue has always been a favorite ad hoc institution. Over one kilometer long, it stretches over three of the seven municipal districts of the city.

The XX September Avenue is named in honor of the so-called Breaking of the Pia Gate (Breccia di Porta Pia). In September 1870, the Bersaglieri troops, under General Cadona, entered the Eternal City and seized a section of the Aurelian Wall between Porta Pia Gate and Salaria Gate. The Pope agreed to a referendum, and the Romans voted for Italy.