Step back in time to an era of pompous Roman-era celebrations and watch music and theatrical shows at the Roman Theatre. This partly ruined amphitheater was constructed between the 1st and 2nd centuries by Quintus Petronius Modestus, an official under the reign of Emperor Traianus. The Roman Theatre sits at the foot of San Giusto Hill. Archaeologists uncovered it in the 1930s, before which it sat concealed by the city’s modern buildings.
Stand on the street in front of the theater to comprehend its arresting size. It has a diameter of 210 feet (64 meters) and a capacity in the region of 6,000 seated spectators. Note the well-preserved seating area and the exposed grassy sections of San Giusto Hill, which rise behind it.
Take a moment to envisage a time when large audiences would come to enjoy events. Today, you can experience the arena’s acoustics at summer concerts and theater productions. Ask at the tourist information office on nearby Piazza dell'Unità for details.
The theater sits in the heart of Trieste’s old town. Parking is available, for a fee, on the street that passes in front of the monument. Include the theater on a walking tour of other attractions located in the city’s historic quarter. Continue up San Giusto Hill to the Cathedral of San Giusto and Castello di San Giusto. The latter offers sweeping city views and houses a museum, which has displays of statues unearthed at the theater.
The Roman Theatre is free to visit. Arrive during daylight hours to be able to fully appreciate the architectural talents of the city’s former Roman rulers.
