With a commanding presence over the Gulf of Trieste, Castello di Miramare (or the Castle of Miramare) is majestic. Growing up, I used to pretend my house was a castle and as I begrudgingly did chores like the dishes, I would imagine I was Cinderella. Castello di Miramare practically fit the bill for the type of castle I would always picture myself living in. That is until I heard the legend of the ill-fated who sleep there…
Castello di Miramare was built by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Hapsburg for his beautiful wife, Charlotte of Belgium in 1860. He wanted a residence befitting his rank and fit for a queen. It was their love nest – isolated between the sea and the magnificent 22 hectare green park, most importantly, far away from the Hapsburg Court and their intrigues of the couple.
Maximilian closely supervised the construction of the castle and the park. He and Charlotte moved in to the ground floor well before its completion, which would only happen after Maximilian and Charlotte moved to Mexico in 1864. The Mexican monarchists had been after Maximilian to take the Mexican throne since 1859 and it was only after the French intervention in Mexico and under pressure from Napoleon III, that he finally consented. He and Charlotte became Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota of Mexico in April of 1864 and took up residence in Mexico City.
Napoleon III ended French support of Maximilian and withdrew French troops from Mexico just three years after Maximilian took the throne. Refusing to abdicate the throne and leave Mexico, even at Napoleon III’s urging, Maximilian was taken prisoner at Querétaro in May of 1867 by Juarez’s Republican troops. Little more than a month later, at the young age of 34, he was shot by order of Juàrez.. Charlotte went insane after Maximilian’s death and spent the rest of her days in seclusion, deeply in love with her husband and hanging on to the possessions they shared.
From this tragic story, the legend was born that Castello di Miramare is cursed and anyone who sleeps there is fated to die a violent death at a young age and in a foreign land. While I have no doubt I’ll live out my days in many foreign lands, I want to do so for many years to come!
Despite the curse, it’s safe to make a day trip to Castello di Miramare and visit the 20 or so rooms still furnished with the original furnishing of Maximilian and Charlotte. Photos aren’t allowed inside the castle, even for us press card holding writers, so you’ll just have to visit yourself to see the lavish interior.
And if admiring the sumptuous furnishings, imperial symbols decorated with coats of arms, and the rich tapestries aren’t your thing (ahem guys), the balconies that hug the castle afford visitors stunning views over the Gulf of Trieste. It’s a romantic spot to steal a kiss, admire the view, and score some points with your sweetheart. “Remember that time I took you to a castle…?”
Miramare Park is huge and the gardens are immaculately groomed with bubbling fountains. There is a small bar selling cool drinks and ice cream, perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Be sure to wander down the various avenues of the park. You’ll find cannons donated by Leopoldo l of Belgium, beautiful views of the castle, and little ponds where turtles sun themselves.
Know Before You Go
- Castello di Miramare is open daily from 9am – 7pm. The Park is open November – February from 8am – 4pm, March and October from 8am – 5pm, and April – September from 8am – 7pm.
- Entrance to the castle is €4 per person and entrance to the park is free.
- Audio guides are available in English for €3.50 or guided tours are also available in English for an additional €4 per person.
Ellen Christian says
I would definitely visit! It looks absolutely gorgeous!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
It is a very pretty castle. I’ve actually been to visit a couple of times since this castle is only about an hour from where we live.
Mary Majure says
Hi!
We lived in Aviano, Italy from 1978 to 1981 and my Mother and I snuck off for a day to Trieste.
You know how they tell you strictly “NO TOUCHING!”
I literally made a game of touching EVERYTHING! My poor Mother looked like she was about to have a heart attack! 🙀
Mary
Ali says
Looks gorgeous and I love castles!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
There’s also another castle about 4 kilometers from Miramare called Castello di Duino, but we haven’t been to that one yet. It was closed for restoration the last time we tried to go check it out. There are tons of castles in this area of Italy!
Roberta Loufek says
What a lovely place – I love castles! Thank you for the fascinating history and beautiful photos.
Thomas says
Beautiful place and this is the second post I read today about Italy. I think someone is trying to tell me its time to move. Didn’t realize this place was so close to Croatia. Thats one heck of a curse.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Yes, the Istrian Peninsula of Croatia is only about 2 hours away from this part of Italy! We enjoy living in the north, since we have such easy access to much of Europe from here.
Tess McKinley says
Cara Jennifer,
I’m hoping you see this post. I was born in Trieste, and recently returned from a lovely trip with my son and daughter in law. I’m now a very vibrant ad healthy 69 year old! I have cousins and family in Trieste, and am seriously considering moving.
As an expat (and I’m guessing younger than me) what are your thoughts?
Buona Giornata!
Teresa
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Teresa,
If you have family and cousins you are in contact with already living there, then you will already have a built in support and community when you move there. I think that’s really important to have, because it can be extremely difficult to make new friends as an adult. It can certainly make things easier. And if you were born in Trieste, you have an affinity for the place. It seems like it could be a nice choice if you’re considering moving.
Roberta Loufek says
What a lovely place – I love castles! Thank you for the fascinating history and lovely photos.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Castles are a lot of fun! And they always have such spectacular views from them.
Marina K. Villatoro says
Gorgeous. WE went to a castle similar to this in Miami, on the water. It was so fun!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
How cool! It always surprises me when there are castles in the US. Would love to see that, plus we’ve never been to Miami!
Marlene Dombrowski says
Beautiful view and haunting story. Will have to check it out
Rhonda- Travel? Yes Please! says
Hmm…after reading about the curse, I would just visit, not sleep there. I want to have many more years to spend travelling as well!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I’m not sure if I believe in curses or not, but this is one castle I definitely don’t want to spend the night in. Better safe than sorry!
Bethany says
cool story! The place also looks beautiful – that photo of you both is great. 🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks! It’s circa 2009 about 4 weeks after we moved to Italy!
Heather says
I love a little royal intrigue! This is definitely a place I would want to explore – those rooms are probably as breathtaking as the view!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
The inside is very pretty. It feels a bit like a smaller scale Palace of Versailles on the inside.
Lan says
Lovely post. Quick question: can we access the balcony from the garden? Or we have to go through the rooms? Thanks.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Lan,
No, the balcony can only be accessed by going inside of the castle.
Armando says
Who has died sleeping in that bed to say that the castle has a curse? I think this is just propaganda to attract visitors. But the fact is that the castle itself doesn´t need that. Don´t be a liar. I know what happened to Carlota and Maximilian because I am mexican and I have read the story in many books.
Mateja says
I had lunch at the restaurant at this castle… over 30 years ago! An Italian guy who took me there – not seen him since – has managed to ‘find’ me on Facebook last week & although I remembered going there he reminded me of its name… What a memory!
Angela says
I visited this Castle on my first trip to Italy and took plenty of pics of the interior. I’m happy to post them if you like. I’m Italian-American and finally went to visit my family in 2016 (at age 60..) and I picked Trieste as my destination as my family is from/ lives in Cordenons about an hour train ride awAy.
Dolores Yergeau says
My husband, Henry Yergeau, was the general\’s driver during the war. It was 1953 and he lived right at the castle. I was in the United States with his twin boys that he had never met. We married and 3 days later he was drafted and sent to Trieste. He didn\’t come home until the twins were 8 months old. He loved the castle and was treated very well by all its occupants.
Gustav Lucas says
We have an oil painting on hard board by artist A Severi titled Treste Castello Di Mirramare., are you able to furnish any more details about the artist? Regards G Lucas Australia