Reaching the top of Castel San Pietro is like diving into the city’s history. The hill behind the Roman Theatre is the founding place of the city: inhabited since pre-historic times, people continued living here even during the Barbaric invasions.


In Roman times the hill was named “Mount Gallo” and had a maily religious function, thanks to the temple and the theatre that is still here. In the Middle Ages a Church dedicated to St. Peter (hence the name of the hill) was erected on the ruins of the old Roman temple.


Since the beginning a strategic point beyond the city, the hill was progressively transformed into a fortress over the centuries. Under the French and then the Austrian government, the vast majority of former buildings were demolished and a new fortress for Austrian soldiers in new-Romanesque style was erected. This is the building that nowadays stands on top of the hill. It is being renovated at the moment, but sometimes it’s possible to visit it for special exhibitions held inside the monument.


For the many historical traces that can be found, this is a very fascinating and romantic place. A funicular ride with https://www.funicolarediverona.it/en/ is a must if you want to enjoy a wonderful, 360° view over the city, especially at sunset. You can even taste a glass of wine when you arrive at the mountain station!