Built in the mid-19C, Europe's largest square opening onto the sea is lined on three sides by 1900 edifices: at the back stands the majestic town hall (1875); to the left is the Government palace (1905) and to the right, the Lloyd Triestino maritime company (1880-84), today the seat of the Regional Council and fronted by the Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta, built in 1873. The Fountain of Four Continents (1751) occupies the centre of the square.