Roman Theatre Tours and Activities

An ancient amphitheater with stone steps and a central stage area.
A weathered stone wall with overgrown vegetation, a partially intact building in the background, and a modern building with a tiled roof.
Ancient ruins with stone steps and walls, a grassy area, and modern buildings in the background.
A historic stone wall with a green grassy mound, modern buildings, and a busy street with cars and pedestrians.


Gaze in awe at the remains of this colossal amphitheatre, which hosts occasional artistic performances and concerts during the summer months.

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.

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Top Roman Theatre Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Le Terrazze

Le Terrazze

Via Filzi, 21 Trieste TS
Le Terrazze
Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste – Starhotels Collezione

Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste – Starhotels Collezione

4 out of 5
Riva Del Mandracchio 4 Trieste TS
Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste – Starhotels Collezione
Hotel Città di Parenzo

Hotel Città di Parenzo

3 out of 5
Via degli Artisti 8 Trieste TS
Hotel Città di Parenzo
DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste

DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste

4 out of 5
Piazza della Repubblica 1 Trieste TS
DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste
Hotel Continentale

Hotel Continentale

4 out of 5
Via San Nicolò, 25 Trieste TS
Hotel Continentale
The Modernist Hotel

The Modernist Hotel

4 out of 5
Corso Italia, 12 Trieste TS
The Modernist Hotel
Residence Theresia

Residence Theresia

3 out of 5
Via Trento 12 Trieste TS
Residence Theresia
Urban Hotel Design

Urban Hotel Design

4 out of 5
Via Punta del Forno, 3 Trieste TS
Urban Hotel Design
NH Trieste

NH Trieste

4 out of 5
Corso Cavour, 7 Trieste TS
NH Trieste
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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