As the hill is so strategically placed a succession of buildings have been erected through these gates to serve different purposes. During the Roman period, a temple and theatre were built, mainly for religious purposes, and to this day you can see the remains of the Teatro Romano. Later, in Mediaeval times, the hill was known as Colle San Pietro when a church dedicated to Saint Peter was built on the remains of the ancient Roman temple. From this time on, until 1321, the purpose of the hill was mainly to resist attacks. Afterward, until the 15th century, more buildings were erected including the famous Castello Visconteo. Finally, in 1801, Napoleon’s army destroyed most of the ancient buildings, and when the Austrians arrived in 1840 Saint Peter’s church was destroyed and a fortress was built for Austrian soldiers in 1851, which is still visible. 

The fortress, designed by Conrad Petrasch completely changed the look of the hill, so now while you are enjoying the panoramic view of the city you can also enjoy the exterior of the castle that is reminiscent of the many battles which went on here.