MIRAMARE
TIP
All that sightseeing is bound to make you hungry. There is a small cafe in the gardens. There are a few good seafood restaurants in the village of Grignano (within walking distance of the back entrance to the castle). Grignano has a tiny port that can be seen from Miramare.
OTHER DAY TRIPS
Aquileia
Gorizia
Palmanova
Trieste
Venezia (Venice)
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The history
This bright white castle hanging on the cliffs above the Adriatic is only 7 kilometers north of Trieste and is worth a visit. It was built in the late 1850s for Archduke Maximilian von Hapsburg, younger brother of Emperor Franz Josef, and was his residence until he left for Mexico, where he was executed by Benito Juarez. The tragic story of Maximilian and his wife Carlota is still remembered and, to some extent, romanticized.
The interior
From the moment you enter the castle you realize one thing: the Archduke spared no expense in making Miramare a celebration of his power and triumph. From the finely detailed ceilings to the layers of gold which decorate all corners of the castle, Maximilian made sure his legacy would live on within these walls. Allow some time (at least two hours) to visit the interior. A portable audio tour in several languages will give the details and history behind the original furnishings, architecture and portraits of the Imperial family.
The gardens
While it’s easy to race straight to the castle, don’t overlook the beautiful gardens as you make your way to the entrance. The grounds are covered with rare and exotic plants, ancient trees, small ponds with swans and European-styled manicured gardens. Many of the statues along the way tell the history of the castle. If you have the time and the extra cash, the castle also offers a guided tour of its exotic bird and animal sanctuary.
Getting there
Miramare can be reached by APT buses from the Grado bus station and it's the best way to get there without a car. Some trains to Trieste make a stop at Grignano/Miramare. During the summer months, motor boats from Grado stop in Miramare on their way to Trieste. The boat fare does not include admission to the castle, so you’ll have to pay to enter once you arrive.
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