The oldest part of Trieste climbs the Colle Capitolino (Capitoline Hill), just behind the grandiose Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia. This is where many of the city's most interesting museums and monuments (including Roman remains) are located. A good way to approach the hill is to leave the southeastern end of Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia and step into Piazza Cavana.
In contrast to the assemblage of 18th- and 19th-century buildings on the main piazza, this part of Trieste, a warren of tiny streets climbing the hillside away from the sea, is medieval. From Piazza Cavana, follow Via Felice Veneziano to Piazza Barbacan, where you take a left to duck under the 1st-century A.D. Arco di Riccardo, then turn right up Via Cattedrale, and follow that for about 10 minutes up the flanks of the Colle Capitolino to the Cattedrale di San Giusto . Just above that is the Castello di San Giusto , from which Trieste and the Adriatic unfold in an unforgettable view at your feet.
For a quicker descent, you can take the 265-step Scala dei Giganti (Steps of the Giants) back down the hill to Piazza Goldoni and Via Carducci, Trieste's main shopping street.
