Between the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, as in many other parts of Italy, youth centres known as oratori also became widespread in Trieste. Managed by religious organisations, they provided support and guidance to young people in working-class neighbourhoods, often helping to keep them away from petty crime and promoting their education.

Alongside these religious youth centres, however, Trieste soon developed a secular institution: the ricreatori. Throughout the twentieth century, these centres spread across the city—starting with the first one, the Giglio Padovan Ricreatorio in Via Settefontane, founded in 1913 and still active today—with sport playing a central role in their activities.

Initially offered free of charge, the ricreatori became an important educational resource. Today, located throughout the municipality, they continue to support families by offering sports, music, and creative activities, as well as supervising children and teenagers during homework time.

Today, 13 of these centres are still active. Although they have experienced a decline in enrolments in recent years—particularly among older children and teenagers—they continue to represent an important support system for families and a valuable educational resource. They remain a unique secular institution, with a strong cultural and pedagogical identity that is found nowhere else in Italy.