Miramare Castle — Attraction in Trieste

When you visit Trieste, make sure you save a few hours to go and visit this place.

The castle was built from 1856 to 1860 for Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife Charlotte of Belgium, better known as Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota. Their “backyard” – a 54 acres garden - was designed by Maximilian himself.

Being raised in Trieste I have a lot of wonderful memories of this place. My dad liked bringing us all there for a stroll in the park, “to see the squirrels, feed the swans, and sit on the cannons” or to visit the castle.

I always loved everything about this place and was always trying to imagine Maximilian and Carlota walking in the gardens and living in that beautiful castle built right on the sea with all those different tinted windows, whose purpose was to be able to see all day long the colors of the sky and the sea that appears in different times of the day.

Of course, I also always hoped to experience the “famous ghost” said to be walking the castle and the gardens: in 1864 Maximilian was captured and shot at age of 35 during the civil war in Mexico, where he had moved with Carlota after being offered the title of Emperor of Mexico, and according to the legend, his soul returned to Miramare to enjoy his garden. (There is a second legend too: Carlota, who became mentally ill after Maximilian’s death, is said to have put a curse on the castle so that all royal or military couples who would overnight there would die of a violent death away from their home country, which… actually did happen for some folks).

This place is right outside the city and easily reachable by car or bus. If you want to reach it by public transportation (which I would recommend anyways), be prepared to travel in buses which can be overcrowded: to get there you have to pass Barcola, the “beach neighborhood” of the city, a favorite spot for locals who love to go there in summer for the beach, but also anytime the weather is pleasant.

I moved abroad many years ago and never had the chance to go back to Miramare until last year. Apparently the entire place had been much neglected for many years in the past, but luckily a lot of restorations (some still in place) brought it back to its past splendor. The garden is as gorgeous, although some spots have now limited access to the public (sorry: no more sitting on the cannons!). Walking in the park is very relaxing: there is a wide range of different trees and vegetation, trails, fountains, a small lake (no swans though…) and even the coffee place is open again! The “small castle” and the “greenhouses” are still under restoration, but the beautiful panorama that you can enjoy from the park never changed.

The only bad part in my opinion is the street that brings you the park and castle. It is a small side road but since you can still park along it (for a fee), it can be extremely busy with cars and pedestrian don’t have a lot of room left to walk: I wish that stretch would be closed to cars, at least starting from the ex-stables of the castle.

The entrance to the park is free but there is a fee for the castle, which unfortunately I couldn’t visit: I was there on a sunny Sunday morning and there was a huge...

After visiting a number of castles with similar architecture and furniture they all start blending. And what matters the most are details and specific things for that particular castle. In this case Miramare Castle does excellent job and achieves the target. The story of the castle and its owners is represented in a detailed way and there are many interesting furniture and things to be seen. An added bonus (which is paid 1€ extra to your ticket - it is offered as an optional price but it is actually mandatory to the price of the castle ticket as you pass through - the botanical exhibition of drawings. I am an artist myself and I loved it! The gardens are lovely to relax in shade but there were not many flowers during our visit. And as it was damn hot (like 40 C) we strolled through the alleys outside quickly. My advice would be to come early, visit the gardens, then take a little break and go in the castle when the heat hits.

I cannot write about the castle without mentioning the parking - I know, strange but it is a necessity as you will find - and a rather expensive one (I will upload the photo with the current pricing). The price scheme looks like they want you in and out in a certain amount of time or you are going to pay a lot for your visit. In this way they would add more visitors to the castle as there is a certain amount of time to stay and pay for the parking that is tolerable. Afterwards it is pure madness! So for example as if July 2023 - 7 euros per 3 hrs, then it adds 4 euro/hour on the top for every hour spent after the first 3…fyi, we spent much more than 3 hrs to see the castle thoroughly (read the captions, watch the botanical exhibition, walk around the gardens, relax for a while… This is why I would advise you to come during the week, if possible (avoid weekends and holidays), earlier during the day, and park on the alley by the beach leading towards the castle. It is first parked first served so get there early and you will have a free parking place, then enjoy the castle and the gardens as much...

Miramare Castle, nestled near the charming city of Trieste, is an exquisite gem that beautifully encapsulates history, architecture, and natural beauty. This splendid castle offers an enchanting experience that transports visitors to a bygone era of elegance and opulence.

Stepping onto the castle grounds, one is immediately captivated by the stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. The castle's strategic location is simply breathtaking, providing a sense of serenity and tranquility that is truly rejuvenating. The meticulously landscaped gardens are a testament to the castle's allure, with vibrant blooms and lush greenery that create a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls.

The architecture of Miramare Castle is a marvel in itself. The Neo-Gothic and Renaissance styles blend harmoniously, showcasing intricate detailing and ornate facades. Exploring the interiors is like embarking on a journey through time, as each room tells a unique story of its past inhabitants. Lavishly furnished chambers, adorned with period furniture, paintings, and artifacts, provide a glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle of the 19th century.

The castle's historical significance adds an extra layer of fascination. Built for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife, Charlotte of Belgium, the castle witnessed important moments in European history. The on-site museum offers insightful exhibitions that shed light on the lives of its former residents and the castle's role in shaping the region's culture.

Miramare Castle is not only a destination for history buffs but also for nature enthusiasts, art aficionados, and anyone seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Its charm is undeniable, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who visit. A visit to Miramare Castle is a journey back in time, a celebration of architectural grandeur, and a harmonious blend of culture and natural beauty that will forever linger in...