Museo Storico e Parco del Castello di Miramare

Built in the 19th century for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, this castle features original furnishings, diverse art collections, and a 22-hectare park.

Planning your visit

Miramare was built between 1856 and 1860 for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria, on a promontory over the Gulf of Trieste, and the story attached to it is grim. Maximilian left this house to become Emperor of Mexico under French sponsorship in 1864, and was executed by firing squad at Querétaro three years later. His widow Charlotte lost her reason. Local superstition holds the castle unlucky for those who sleep in it.

The interiors survive with their original furnishings — Maximilian's naval-themed rooms fitted like ship's cabins, the library, the throne room — and the art collections remain in place, which makes it one of the more complete nineteenth-century royal residences in Italy.

The 22-hectare park is the other half: Maximilian designed it himself, importing species from around the world onto what had been bare karst, and it runs down to the sea.

Trieste is a short ride away. Allow two hours. Bookable options include entry with audio app. Current availability is listed below.