ITALIAN
The Miramare Castle
How an European Castle
It was an epicenter of a singular
episode of the story of Latin America
The magnificent Miramare Castle (Castello di Miramare), built between 1856 and 1860 by the will of Archduke Maximilian of Hapsburg, better known in America as Maximilian I of Mexico, is located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea in Trieste, in northeastern Italy and one hour and a half from Venice. In such an idyllic place, it is surprising to know that here it would be written one of the most surreal chapters in the history of Mexico and Latin America.
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I begin with telling you that the name of the castle comes from the Spanish expression “Mira el Mar”: when Maximilian saw the land where his residence was built, he was inspired by the Spanish castles of the Atlantic Ocean. The castle, designed by the architect Carl Junker, is an outstanding example of beautiful and very romantic European eclecticism, not only because of it's white color, but also for its location on a small cliff overlooking the sea.
The castle was decorated directly by the archduke with objects and furniture from the mid-nineteenth century and on the exterior ornamentation the aztec eagle is graven.
The garden has 22 hectares and is a mix between the typical vegetation of northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Maximilian, who was a lover of botany, ordered also to bring plants from all around the world as cedars from Lebanon, North Africa and the Himalayas, firs from northern Europe and roses from Spain, cypress of California and Mexico and a variety of pines from Asia and America.
This was a garden not for the audience but just for private purpose, mostly featuring little paths, which create a very natural atmosphere, with a collection of rare plants; also the Adriatic sea is another attraction itself, since around the castle there is a marine reserve with many species and crystalline waters.
Currently the residence is in excellent condition, inside and outside, but I feel sad because unfortunately, despite its natural beauty, the garden is neglected; likewise, the former stables are now closed and apparently abandoned, but I still highly recommend visiting Miramar Castle because it is undeniably romantic, magical and full of history.
Andrea, can you tell us about the Castle of Miramar?
What happened in Miramar on October 3rd, 1863?
That day a delegation of Mexican monarchists payed a visit to the Archduke to propose him to become their emperor and occupy the throne of Mexico. After an initial refuse, Maximilian accepted the proposal to become the sovereign, committing at the same time his most serious mistake, because after being proclaimed emperor on American soil he was executed by soldiers who were part of the liberal and nationalist camp, tragically putting the word end on the adventure of a nascent empire.
What can I find when visiting Miramar?
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You can find a place of perfection, because its location is dreamy, with an exquisite castle, huge gardens and a beautiful view of the Adriatic sea: it's like being in a postcard or a fairy tale!
However, this romantic atmosphere hides a very sad story, since the owners of the castle never had the chance to enjoy it, because Maximilian was executed in Queretaro and after this event his wife, Carlota, went crazy and spent the rest of her life living in a "Castelletto" in the gardens of Miramar before and going back in Belgium then, leaving no children.
We know that not only the building is exceptional, but also its environment: tell us about the gardens and the natural park that surrounds it.