Trieste’s castles

Bruce Hardy wrote of his memories of Trieste, Italy (April ’09, pg. 39), which he last visited in 2001, and it was asked if anyone had been to the city recently. We were there in August ’08, and it was everything Mr. Hardy wrote about and much more. Had we only known, we would have stayed more than two days.

There are two marvelous castles: Miramare and Duino. We had time to see only one, so we chose Miramare (€4 admission). An excellent audio guide was available.

Castello di Miramare was the home of Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife, Charlotte. They were crowned Emperor and Empress of Mexico in a throne room at the castle and sailed for Mexico from the dock at Miramare. The place is as they left it, with original furnishings — a fascinating look into history.

Maximilian was a superb botanist. He turned what was a bleak peninsula overlooking the Gulf of Trieste into a park that is now a nature preserve.

Duino Castle has been the home of the Torre and Tasso princes for generations and still is occupied by the family. According to a brochure I picked up, 18 rooms are open to the public. I regret not having time to see both castles.

It is a shame cruise ships don’t go into Trieste, because it would be a terrific stop. We took the train over from Venice, and I’d certainly recommend that pleasant ride as well.

CONNIE SHERLEY

Austin, TX