Miramare Castle (Castello di Miramare) Tours
The extravagant 19th-century Miramare Castle (Castello di Miramare) is set on the Grignano promontory above the Gulf of Trieste and has beautiful interiors and 54 acres of grounds and botanical gardens. Home to the Habsburg family until the 20th century, this sumptuous noble residence offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life.
The Basics
Designed by Austrian architect Carl Junker, Miramare Castle (Castello di Miramare) is unlike any other in Italy, for its white stone towers and Gothic-, Medieval- and Austrian-inspired architecture at once contrasts with and complements the Mediterranean landscape. The Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria (later Emperor Maximilian of Mexico) and his wife, Charlotte of Belgium, had the castle built in 1860, and today visitors can tour its well-preserved rooms, all filled with original furniture, tapestries, and decor. The surrounding Miramare Park, set along a paved walkway with impressive views of the Adriatic Sea, is a beautiful expanse of grounds dotted with sculptures, ponds, and fountains.
You can visit Miramare Castle on its own or part of a larger tour of Trieste that also includes the elegant Piazza Unità d'Italia and the Cathedral of San Giusto.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kids will enjoy roaming Miramare’s grounds, as well as the castle’s stunning architecture.
- The castle and grounds are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Large backpacks, bags, and umbrellas must be left at the museum cloakroom.
- There’s a souvenir shop inside the museum and a coffee shop in the garden.
- Photography is not allowed inside the castle, but the views from the grounds make for spectacular photos.
How to Get There
Miramare Castle is located on Viale Miramare just north of Trieste and across the border from Slovenia. There are local bus and train routes that run between the center of Trieste and Miramare, but the best way to reach the castle is by joining a tour or shore excursion that includes transportation. In summer, there’s ferry service from Trieste to Grignano Bay.
When to Get There
One of the highlights of the castle is its extensive grounds, so time a visit for a clear day with mild temperatures so you can explore at your leisure.
The Castle Interiors
The interior décor was the work of Franz Hofmann and his son, Julius. The ground-floor private apartments of Maximilian and Charlotte have an intimate, informal atmosphere, while the upper floor, once dedicated to receiving guests, is filled with sumptuous furnishings decorated with the family's coats of arms and tapestries incorporating imperial crests.
Address: Viale Miramare, Trieste, Italy
Admission: Varies
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Miramare Castle (Castello di Miramare)
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Trieste Bus Tour with Audio Guide
The port town of Trieste is known for its scenic waterfront, historic monuments, and lively piazzas. This hop-on hop-off bus tour is ideal for first-time visitors, offering the convenience of a guided tour but the flexibility of independent sightseeing. Valid for 24 hours, you can stay on-board and listen to the audio commentary, or jump off at any of the 16 stops to visit sights such as Venezia Square, Miramare Castle, and the Grande Canal.
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From
$13.59
From
$13.59
Panoramic Tour of Trieste and Miramare Castle
This magical Panoramic Tour of Trieste and Miramare Castle is ideal for travelers interested in historic architecture and magnificent scenery. Avoid the stress of busy public transport, and instead travel easily between sites in a comfortable vehicle, with pickup and drop-off included. The tour will showcase seaside scenery, caves, castles, mountains, and parks. You’ll avoid waiting in long visitor lines at Miramare Castle, as entrance tickets are included.
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From
$159.22
Price varies by group size
From
$159.22
Price varies by group size
Skip-the-line to Miramare Castle w/ private transfer from Trieste train station
The 19th-century Miramare Castle overlooking the Gulf of Trieste is one of the area’s most spectacular sights, but reaching the castle from the center of Trieste can be a hassle. With this tour, skip the stress of the bus or taxi and instead enjoy transportation directly from the train station. Save time with priority entrance tickets and explore the sumptuous castle interiors and vast grounds and botanical gardens at your own pace.
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From
$95.72
Price varies by group size
From
$95.72
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Discover the beauty of Trieste city and fairytale Miramare and Old Duino Castles
From one end of the splendid Province of Trieste to the other, this private tour of the castles will not leave anyone indifferent. Adults and children of all ages will be fascinated by these fairytale chateaus where children can dream of the princesses and knights of old times.
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From
$734.00
Price varies by group size
From
$734.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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