[The history and spirit of mental health services in Trieste.]

The authors describe the evolution of mental health services put in place in Trieste over the last 25 years. They identify the principles that have led to institutional transformation and to the replacement of the traditional psychiatric hospital with a complete organization of services across the Trieste territory. By defining the spirit presiding over these transformations, the authors describe the variety of services offered. Finally, while the Trieste experience is linked to social and historical conditions favoring its emergence, the authors draw general principles in order to guide and transform the practice of community psychiatry.