Duino

Duino is a coastal locality in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy. It is a frazione of the comune Duino-Aurisina in the province of Trieste, situated on the Adriatic Sea about 20 kilometers from Trieste city center. The area is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and scenic views, and for the historic Castello di Duino.

Castello di Duino or Duino Castle is a medieval fortress perched above the sea. Construction began in the 14th century, and the castle has long been associated with letters and the arts; poet Rainer Maria Rilke lived there briefly and wrote the Duino Elegies while staying at the castle in the early 20th century. The castle remains a principal landmark and is open to visitors in season, with part of its grounds used for cultural events.

Administratively, the municipality of Duino-Aurisina encompasses several settlements including Duino, Aurisina and Sistiana, and lies near the border with Slovenia. The region is part of the karst plateau and has a mix of coastal and inland landscapes.

Beyond the locality, the term Duino may appear in other contexts, including brand names or products named in reference to the place. In common usage, however, it most often denotes the Italian settlement and its castle.