Rijeka to Miramare Castle and Predjama Castle: Day trip

The eclectic castle, often characterized by its “white towers”, was built for Archduke Maximilian (the future emperor of Mexico) and his wife Charlotte in 1860. After a brief reign as emperor of Mexico, he was tragically shot and killed. His wife Charlotte went insane after the Archduke’s death, spending her remaining years in seclusion. From this tragic tale was born a legend that anyone who sleeps in Miramore Castle is fated to die a violent death at a young age and in a foreign land. Today, the historically rich castle is open to the public. A huge botanical park, made up of exotic trees, surrounds the grounds. Walk freely through the beautiful garden and around the castle grounds. For a fee, it’s also possible to tour the interiors of the castle with its preserved original furnishings. There is also a museum with a bookshop and a bar in the garden to enjoy the scenery.

Located in south-central Slovenia, the famous Predjama Castle is over 800 years old. The dramatic castle dominates the surrounding area, perched high up on a 123-meter cliff and wedged beneath a stone archway. It has been listed as one of the top 10 castles in the world. Predjama Castle consists of 5 stories with 15 rooms. It has been rebuilt twice, and the current castle (built in 1570) features a renaissance style and is considered a masterpiece. An audio guide details the sight’s rich history.