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The Roman Theatre behind Piazza Unità d'Italia at the foot of the San Giusto hill is one of the most striking remains of ancient Roman Tergeste.
The theatre (1st to 2nd century AD.) could accommodate up to 3,500 spectators, and was built almost entirely of masonry, except for the stage, which was made of wood.
In 1814 Pietro Nobile inferred the theatre's existence from the name of a village built on its ruins, Rena Vecia (Old Arena), but it was brought to light only in 1938 following major work of demolition and urban regeneration.
The ornamental statues and plaques that decorated the theatre are now at the Orto Lapidario (Civic Museum of History and Art).
