The object of fairy tales and myths from a distant past, castles are the main element of any self-respecting tale. Majestic, mighty, and with an ancient appearance, they manage to fascinate any visitor even after centuries. They take us back in time, thanks to their mysterious and evocative image. They possess an almost magical aura, and sometimes even sinister. Today we talk about the suggestive history of Castle of Miramare, in that of Trieste, whose events still appear inexplicable!
Miramare Castle, between projects and sad epilogues
The marvelous Miramare Castle was built at the behest of Maximilian of Habsburg-Lorraine, Archduke of Austria. He wanted a home that he could share with his wife Carlotta, which was similar to the Spanish castles that overlooked theAtlantic (hence the name Miramare, namely look at the sea, look at the sea).
The history of Miramare Castle has its roots in ancient times, precisely in 1855, when Massimiliano realized he wanted to build a castle near the bay of Grignano.
Work beginning
The following year the works began, and the project was entrusted to the architect Carl Junker. At first Maximilian was not enthusiastic about it, so much so that he also requested a sketch by another architect, Giovanni Berlam. This work looked better in the eyes of the archduke, although the final design remained that of Junker. The style of the castle is purely neo-medieval, and initially it had to contemplate three floors and a mezzanine. This did not find the support of Maximilian, who preferred to eliminate one of the planned plans. When in 1859 the archduke lost his position as governor of the Lombard-Veneto Kingdom, he moved with his beloved wife to the castle. Some time later he left for Brazil, and took the opportunity to catalog the splendid plants that adorned the castle garden.
He returned to his cherished home, but in 1864 he decided to leave again, this time with Carlotta, to reach the Mexico. The years that the two lived in the Miramare Castle were happy, until Massimiliano was shot to death in Querétaro.
This tragic outcome was not the only one for the noble family. Shortly after the death of her dear wife, Carlotta lost her mind, showing clear signs of mental instability. He was locked up in the castle for some time before returning to Belgium. Meanwhile, part of the impressive building was completed.
Stories of ghosts and curses
Carlotta's anger at the loss of her beloved husband was so blind that she cursed the castle and anyone who stayed there. Ironically, there were several victims who found a fatal death in this enchanting but ruthless place. After Maximilian, Archduke Francesco Ferdinand of Austria was also brutally killed in the famous attack in Sarajevo, responsible for the outbreak of the First World War. Then it was the turn of Amedeo Duke ofAosta, who perished during the Second World War, forced into a prison camp. Same fate for General Charles Moor, a decorated American who died in the Korean War.
His colleague, Vernice Musgrave Mac Fadden, also passed away. The man lost his life in a car accident on his way to Livorno, to return to America. Followed by Friedrich Rainer, an Austrian politician, who occupied the castle during the last war, being brutally slaughtered by the partisans. Same fate for General Charles Moor, a decorated American who died in the Korean War. His colleague, Vernice Musgrave Mac Fadden, also passed away. The man lost his life in a car accident on his way to Livorno, to return to America. Followed by Friedrich Rainer, an Austrian politician, who occupied the castle during the last war, being brutally slaughtered by the partisans.
Friendly ghosts and tourists in love
In all this trail of despair, there is a story that paradoxically makes you smile. The New Zealand Colonel Bowman, superstitious beyond belief, believed the bloody legend, and preferred to sleep in a tent in the castle grounds. Thus he saved his life, despite the curse. Another legend that would hover around the gloomy but at the same time fairytale castle, would like the ghosts of Carlotta and Maximilian to still haunt its walls. In reality, the latter would be inclined to kindness and calmness, so much so that he is only interested in enjoying the peace of his home. In spite of any belief, Miramare Castle is constantly visited by Trieste and not, and its solemn charm has remained unchanged over the centuries. Visit the Miramare Castle too, and tell us if you too have happened to stumble upon some specter!
