The Castello di Duino dates back to the early 15th century, although it is best known as the home of the royal Thurn und Taxis family during the 19th century. Today, the castle houses a museum full of princely memorabilia and is surrounded by lush gardens and romantic pathways lined with cypress trees and statues.
Toward the end of the 19th century, Austrian princess Maria von Thurn und Taxis opened her family castle at Duino to numerous figures in contemporary art, music, and literature. One of her favorite guests was the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, who stayed at the castle from 1911 to 1912. It was here that he penned the beginning to his famous Duino Elegies.
Named after the poet, the Rilke Path begins at Castello di Duino, perched on a promontory overlooking the ruins of the medieval Castello Vecchio. It then follows the meandering coastline, where evergreen shrubs cling to the rock face and precipitous, white limestone cliffs plunge into the sea. At the end of the rocky trail is Sistiana, where white sailboats rest afloat in the sapphire blue bay. All along the Rilke Path, shady pine forests alternate with breathtaking views, each worthy of a poet’s inspiration.