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TriesteMiramare Castle

Miramare Castle | Trieste’s Sea-Front Splendor

Standing on the lip of a promontory overlooking Trieste's Adriatic Sea, Miramare Castle was the Archduke of Habsburg Ferdinand Maximilian’s cherished abode and labour of love. Sadly, the original inhabitants hardly got to enjoy its luxury. Discover what makes this castle so intriguing.

Why Visit Miramare Castle?

  • Interesting history: Taken in by Trieste’s beauty on one of his travels, Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian decided to construct a luxurious residence that became the perfect backdrop to the Adriatic’s crystalline waters. Unfortunately, he and his wife Queen Charlotte were only able to live there for about four years, before he was executed in Mexico in 1867.
  • Lush gardens: Spread across 54 acres, Maximilian’s gardens hosted a variety of non-indigenous plants. The gardens boast of both Italian and English-style landscaping, featuring daffodils, ponds and gazebos.
  • Intact and well-preserved: Several rooms of Miramare Castle are well-preserved and still contain the precious belongings of the royal couple. Rooms worth visiting include the Throne Room and the Archduke’s bedroom called the ‘Maximilian Room’, which is designed like a ship’s cabin.
  • Spectacular views: Maximilian was on to something when he chose his picturesque dream home with a view. From the castle’s many colonnades, take in Gulf of Trieste and the endless waves rolling beneath you. Feel as if you are on the bow of a great white ship that’s commanding the seas.

Explore Miramare Castle

The Castle

Immaculately preserved, the castle draws inspiration from Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with distinct Austrian and Germanic influences. The entry tickets afford access to approximately 20 rooms. The Miramare Castle interiors contain artefacts from the 19th century. Most recently, the Throne Room has been restored to its former glory. Upstairs, view the preserved rooms of Duke Amadeo of Aosta (an active Italian Vicery during World War II). Other rooms worthy seeing include the study and Queen Charlotte’s piano room.

Miramare Castle Park

The castle is flanked by 54 acres of lush gardens which are free to enter. Before Ferdinand Maximilian transformed this terrain, the land was thorny and barren. A keen horticulturist, he enlisted the help of Carl Junker, an Austrian architect. Together, they transformed the space into an aboreal wonderland featuring exotic plants that were not native to Trieste. From soil to seeds, several of the flowering varieties we see today were imported by the Archduke. 

The Stables

Designed by Carl Junker, the stable is located on the road to Trieste, at a reasonable distance from the castle. It consists of three parts, with the centre part dedicated for the horses. The stables also consist of accommodation for the staff and the kitchens, which were near the sea. Later, the Dukes of Aosta made significant changes to the building during their stay between the two World Wars.

What's inside Miramare Castle?

Torretta

Post restoration, the little tower is once again open to the public during special events and important dates. Located inside is a valuable clock of Viennese make.

Access Included: Yes 

Marine Biodiversity Centre (BioMa)

Since 2018, one of the stables’ wings has been used as the BioMa. This educative and interactive space takes you through reefs and other ocean ecosystems in the Gulf of Trieste.

Access Included: Tickets to the BioMa have to be purchased separately.

Kitchens

Located in the basement and overlooking the portico, the kitchen is now open for viewing after restoration efforts.

Access Included: Yes 

Greenhouses

There are two greenhouses: old and new. They were originally used for botanical experiments. While the old greenhouses are under renovation, the new one contains the orangery and the upcoming educational room. 

Access Included: Yes 

Castelletto

While the main castle was still under construction, Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife Queen Charlotte temporarily lived in the Castelletto, which was a miniature version of the castle.

Access Included: Yes

The Duke's Bath

This was the changing booth of Duke Anadeo of Aosta. It offers pleasing views of both the sea and the castle. 

Access Included: Yes 

Plan your visit to Miramare Castle

Timings
Location
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  • The Castle
    9 AM - 7 PM
    Closed:
    December 25 and January 1.
    Note: The ticket office closes at 6:30 PM.
  • The Park
    January: 8 AM - 4 PM
    February: 8 AM - 5 PM
    March: 8 AM - 6 PM
    April to September: 8 AM - 7 PM
    October 1 to October 14: 8 AM - 6 PM
    October 15 to October 31: 8 AM - 5 PM
    November & December: 8 AM - 4 PM
    Closed: December 25 and January 1.

Best time to visit: During summer, as the castle is open for longer, you can expect more crowds. Try to visit early in the morning from October-March for a more relaxed viewing experience.

Address: V.le Miramare, 34151 Trieste TS, Italy

Find on map

Getting There

  • By bus: G51, 6, 36
    Nearest stop: Grignano/Miramare 
  • By train: Regionale from Trieste
    Nearest stop: Miramare
  • By Car: 7.5 km from Trieste Centrale railway station
    Parking: Park your car before the main entrance to the Castle in a pay-and-park area. Park within the designated blue lines only. 
  • Restroooms
  • Bookshop
  • Cloakrooms
  • Cafeteria
  • Elevator
  • Electric shuttles

Miramare is committed to ensuring that guests with disabilities make the most of their trip. To this end, they offer:

  • Rental wheelchairs
  • Tactile tour routes for the visually impaired
  • QR-code tour signages
  • Two free dedicated parking spots at the parking slot near the entrance
  • 3D castle model and Braille aids
  • If you're commuting by bus, buy tickets in advance: Especially if you’re visiting on a Sunday when newspaper stands are closed, it's best to buy bus tickets in advance. You can buy bus tickets at Trieste Centrale railway station. You’ll also want to buy a return ticket before departing as well, because there aren’t many places to buy tickets on the way back.
  • Free castle entry: On the first Sunday of every month, entry to the castle is free. However, as noted before, be sure to buy your bus tickets in advance if you're traveling by bus!
  • Deposit your belongings in the locker: Before you enter the castle, it is mandatory to leave large bags, backpacks and umbrellas in the locker. This storage facility is free.
  • Grab a bite: Check out Cafe Massimiliano on the castle premises. It serves a selection of snacks, gelato and coffee.
  • Dress appropriately: Summers can be quite hot, so dress accordingly. The terraces and balconies can get windy, so carry a sweater in the cooler months.
  • Carry a camera: The panoramic views of the Gulf of Trieste is made of the stuff seen only in paintings. Take snapshots of the scenery to remember your visit forever.
  • Add-ons and special events: For an audioguided tour, pay an extra fee at the ticket office. On special occasions, there are free thematic tours in Italian that can be availed with the castle entry ticket. Do check the exact details at the time of booking.

While there is a cafetaria inside the park called Cafe Massimiliano, here are some nearby dining options to choose from:

  • Trattoria Al Sub: For a simple yet tasteful meal, head to Trattoria Al Sub. Enjoy a selection of fruit juices, wines, pizzas and more.
  • Trattoria Al Pescatore: For authentic sea food, head to Trattoria Al Pescatere and enjoy fresh catch from the sea.
  • Sorrentino Trattoria Di Mare: When you sea food, you eat it! Sea food options are plenty by the harbour, and Sorrentino Trattoria Di Mare serves up some classic dishes including shrimp, clams and more.
  • Piazza Unità d'Italia: Located 8.4 km away, Piazza Unità d'Italia is a charming seaside square. Marvel at impressive architecture, sip espressos at quaint cafes, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
  • Vittoria Light: View the active lighthouse on Gretta hill, situated 5 km away. It is one of the tallest lighthouses in the world, serving panoramic views of the Gulf of Trieste.
  • Trieste’s Roman Theatre: Around 10 km away is the ancient Roman Theatre, which is an amphitheatre that was built roughly around 1st century BC. It had seating to accommodate close to 6000 spectators. It is still occasionally used for certain shows.

Frequently asked questions about Miramare Castle tickets

How do I book tickets to Miramare Castle?

While entry to Miramare Castle Park is free, booking tickets online to enter the Castle or the Marine Biodiversity Centre (BioMa — located in the former Castle stables) is highly recommended. This saves you time otherwise spent in long queues.

Why should I book Miramare Castle tickets online?

-Saves time: Booking Miramare Castle tickets online saves you the hassle of waiting in long queues at the ticketing counter.
-Flexible planning: Booking online also gives you the ability to plan your trip better and possibly see other attractions in the vicinity. 

What do Miramare Castle tickets include?

Miramare Castle tickets only include access to the castle. Audioguided tours, thematic tours and visiting the BioMa require the purchase of add-on/separate tickets.

Does Miramare Castle have discounted tickets?

Entry to Miramare Castle is free for all on the first Sunday of each month. EU and non-EU minors, people with disabilities and their companions, teachers, scholars and students, journalists, tour guides and interpreters, members of ICOM, etc. have free entry.

What is the cancelation policy for Miramare Castle tickets?

Miramare Castle tickets cannot be canceled or rescheduled.

What are Miramare Castle opening hours?

The castle is open from 9 AM to 7 PM on all days except December 25 and January 1. The castle park is generally open from 8 AM to 5 PM, although it can operate on reduced or extended hours as per the season.

How long should I spend at Miramare Castle?

It takes between 1 and 1.5 hours to visit the Castle, the Park, and the various highlights within the castle Premises like the Kitchens, Greenhouses, Castelletto, etc.