Clinging to the sides of the hills which slope steeply to the water's edge, Trieste has always been closely involved with the sea. Along the seafront one can admire the magnificent and elegant buildings which frame the square known as ‘Piazza dell'Unita d'ltalia', the largest meeting place in Europe facing directly onto the sea. The city centre evokes past times, with its numerous historical cafés and antique shops. The hill of ‘San Giusto', dominated by a fifteenth century castle and ancient basilica is in the heart of the city, while the most important point of the Trieste Riviera is the castle of Miramare, built on a spur of rock in the 1800s, surrounded by a vast park and marine reserve.