Miramare: a guide to the castle and its park.

A residence built for love

Miramare Castle was built between 1856 and 1860 for Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg, brother of Emperor Franz Joseph, as a residence for himself and his wife Charlotte of Belgium. It sits on a rocky promontory a few kilometres from downtown Trieste, with the sea on three sides: one of the most scenic views along the entire Adriatic coast.

The castle

The interiors remain largely as they were in Maximilian’s time: rooms furnished in an eclectic nineteenth-century style, with nautical touches throughout. Today it’s a state museum open to the public: for current hours and tickets, it’s always worth checking the official site before your visit, since they can change by season.

The park

The botanical park surrounding the castle covers more than 20 hectares, with shaded paths, small lakes and tree species brought from around the world by Maximilian himself, a keen botanist. Entry to the park is generally free and it’s a perfect place for a slow walk, whether or not you visit the castle itself.

How to get there

From downtown Trieste it’s easily reached by city bus, by bike along the coastal cycle path, or (in the summer months) by sea, on a short boat ride.

How much time to set aside

A full morning is ideal: a good hour for the castle, the rest for the park and perhaps a stop at the small harbour nearby. It’s the perfect outing for the second day of a Trieste weekend.