Perhaps not as well-known as the glistening white Castello di Miramare, the imposing Duino Castle a bit further up the coast is every bit as impressive. Constructed at the beginning of the 1300s on a rocky bluff overlooking the sea, over the centuries the site acquired a reputation as a centre of culture, counting among its guests numerous notable figures from the Habsburg empire - Listz, Strauss, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, who composed two of his most famous works while staying here.

At the end of the 19th century, the castle became the property of the Czech branch of the House of Thurn and Taxis, and today is still officially the private residence of the Princes della Torre e Tasso. However, much to the delight of those of use who are not members of European nobility (and tourists in general), the castle was opened to the public in 2003.

On guided tours it's possible to visit some two dozen historically important rooms, as well as an eerie WWII bunker built by the Germans and the sprawling castle park that winds along the cliffs on several different levels and boasts more than 21,000 flowers. Weddings, conferences, exhibitions and gala dinners can also be arranged, while the castle hosts concerts, theatrical performances and other cultural events from time to time.