Editor Pick
Lady with a past--Castle at Duino
- July 1, 2004
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Barb B from Napa, CA and Hereford, AZ , Arizona
Truly a lady with an unspeakable past, the Castle at Duino has been referred to as the "Dama Bianca" or White Lady since her very beginning. The original fortification dates from the 11th century and spawned the fishing village and harbor of Duino below. Situated amid limestone cliffs, her magnificent view of the coastline provided early warning of approaching hostile vessels.
Sold to the Hapsburgs of Austria in 1472, she passed through the hands of various Vicars, Princes and other Sovereigns. Her history is remarkably rich, with many accounts of battles between the Romans and Istrii taking place here. Its even said that Atilla the Hun made camp at the castle at one time.
Traditionally, old castles must each have a variety of stories, myths, and legends. The most popular legend of the Castle at Duino concerns the Lady of the Castle Esterine da Portole, known as the White Lady. It tells that she was thrown from the garden to the sea below by her jealous husband in a fit of fury. On entering the sea, she was turned into a white rock. There is, in fact, a white rock nearby which resembles the form of a woman. Further, it’s said that every night the ghost of the Lady visits the bedroom of her beloved daughter where she remains until dawn before returning to her rock in the sea.
Opened to the public in 2002, the castle has been completely restored and contains many pieces of original art, sculpture and furnishings. Entry fee is 6 Euros and you can stroll the castle and gardens at your leisure. The tower, gardens and pond areas provide good photo ops, unfortunately, photos may not be taken inside the castle. Don't miss the climb to the top of the tower -- it confirms the coastline view for which the castle is so well known.
From journal Duino, Small Town Italy--Beyond Venice