The site of a fortified settlement since prehistoric times, the hill of San Giusto became an important urban centre in the Roman era. The fortress, built in the Middle Ages by the Venetians, was demolished in the 14th century at the behest of the Patriarch of Aquileia and was only rebuilt in 1470 by Frederick II of Habsburg; along with the square tower and the two-storey building, now home to the Civic Museum of the Castle.
Under the Venetian Republic, which re-established its dominion over Trieste n the early 16th century, the defences of Castle of San Giusto were strengthened and, with the return of Austrian domination, work continued through to the construction of the large bastions and connecting walls in 1630.
The fortified complex is accessed by a ramp leading to a wooden drawbridge over a moat of limited width; a cross-vaulted atrium opens onto the piazzale delle Milizie, where stairs and open walkways access the bastions.
The castle has been owned by the Municipality since 1930; adapted for visitor use, it houses cultural events, shows and temporary exhibitions.
The Tergestino lapidary, located in the Lalio bastion of the Castle of San Giusto since 2001, houses all the Roman-era stone artefacts previously exhibited in the garden of the Lapidary Garden to protect them from the elements.
Friuli Venezia Giulia Film Commission
Piazza Duca degli Abruzzi 3 — 34132 Trieste
Phone: +39 040 3720142
Email: filmcommission@promoturismo.fvg.it
