Castello di Duino
The terrace overlooking the Gulf of Trieste
- Duino-Aurisina (TS)
- 1,30 h
- Admission 11 euro
- Can be visited year-round
About this place
It was in Duino Castle that, in the early 1900s, the poet Rainer Maria Rilke generated his Duino Elegies, inspired by the spectacular nature of the Trieste Karst and the warm waters of the Gulf of Trieste. The castle rises above the gulf, and from the tower you can see the sea and the lush greenery surrounding it.
The castle dates back to the 14th century and has always been home to noble families. Since 2003, it has been open to the public and almost entirely open for tours. The castle also includes a park, a 16th-century tower, and a World War II bunker, all of which can be visited.
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Why visit it
01.
Many things to see
Duino Castle has been inhabited for centuries. Its long history can be relived by wandering around the park, admiring the furnished halls and tower, or visiting the war bunker.
02.
The view of the sea
Duino Castle directly overlooks the sea and, thanks to several belvederes, offers fantastic views: sunrises, sunsets, still or stormy waters.
03.
History and architecture
The long history of Duino Castle remains documented by its architecture and period furnishings. Admirable is Palladio’s 1500 Staircase, to be admired strictly from below.
Landscape
The castle climbs the rocky cliff overlooking the sea and grants, to those who look at the view from within its walls, a spectacular view of the surrounding Mediterranean nature and the Gulf of Trieste. In addition, the castle has a beautiful multi-level park where many species of flowers thrive and is enchanting in spring. In the immediate vicinity of the castle, the Rilke Trail, a nature-panoramic path that leads from Duino to Sistiana, begins.
History
Duino Castle was built in the 14th century and has been inhabited ever since. It has hosted several noble houses and many famous people, including the Austrian-Bohemian poet Rainer Maria Rilke. The castle has survived two world wars, of which it still retains a bunker dating back to 1943. Today the castle is the private home of the Princes of the Tower and Badger, who make its long history available to those who wish to learn about it.
Services
Duino Castle can be visited freely upon payment of an entrance fee. The areas accessible to the public are the basement, ground floor, second floor, and second floor. In addition, the park, tower, chapel, inner courtyard and war bunker can be visited.
The castle can be rented outside opening hours for private events, weddings and christenings. It also has a conference room and can host conventions.
Routes and visitable areas
- Duration: 1 hour / 1 hour 30 minutes
THE PARK
Stunning in spring and summer, the park has several levels and is adorned with many statues. Among the thousands of flowers of all kinds is an ancient well with the family emblem.
THE CASTLE.
The 18 rooms that can be visited are furnished with original furniture. The castle is home to the Princes of the Tower and Badger family, which displays some of its heirlooms, photos and period documents.
I BELVEDERE
Visiting Duino Castle also means enjoying a vantage point of the surrounding landscape. From the various belvederes and the tower, one can admire the sea and the surrounding nature from above and from the intimacy offered by the walls.
THE BUNKER
The 1943 war bunker built for wartime purposes was used by locals as an air raid shelter during bombing raids. Today it is open to the public as a testament to the tragic events.
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The interior of the castle
- 18 rooms can be visited
- 3 floors
- Terraces by the sea
The castle tour is very rich, and the areas open to the public are spread over several floors, starting from the basement to the second floor. The 18 rooms that can be visited are furnished with period furniture, maintaining the original purpose.
It is exciting to wander through the different halls, the library, the dining room and bedroom, the exhibition galleries, and the small mausoleum.
Beyond each door one marvels at taking a closer look at the stately life of the castle; on display are heirlooms, photos and period documents; windows and small balconies offer amazing views overlooking the sea; and finally, from the inner courtyard there is access to the chapel and additional belvederes.
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The visit of the bunker
- Included in the ticket
- Site of historical interest
- Difficulty: none
The bunker, built in 1943, has an area of 400 square meters and a depth of 18 m; it can be freely visited and has been opened to the public as a testimony to the tragic events of war and military life. The visit is simple and suitable for everyone: the path descends inside via a flight of steps and is developed in spaces that are not cramped. Inside are various war relics and explanatory tables.
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Opening hours and ticket prices
OPENING DAYS AND TIMES
Duino Castle is open daily, except Tuesdays, from March until the end of October. In the winter period it can be visited on weekends and some holidays. Visiting hours are 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. For details on open days, please visit the website.
RESERVATIONS AND TICKETS
Tickets for the castle can be purchased directly at the entrance with no reservation required. For group visits, however, reservations are required.
COST OF TICKET
The unit price of the ticket is:
- 11 euros for a visit to Duino Castle;
- 13.50 euros for the combined visit to Duino Castle and the Old Castle;
- 5 euros for the Old Castle.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Duino Castle is a private residence and is not equipped for visitors to stay, but it offers the possibility of organizing events, weddings or conventions.
Yes, from late October to March it is possible to visit on weekends.
The Rilke Trail begins in the immediate vicinity of the castle and is less than a 5-minute walk away.
Contact Duino Castle
Through this section you can contact Duino Castle directly. Use it to inquire about services, rates, reservation, overnight stay, and other information. Explorer FVG does not handle responses and is not responsible for the information exchanged in these conversations.
Contact information:
Duino Castle
Duino hamlet, 32,
34011 Duino-Aurisina (TS)
