Celles-sur-Belle royal abbey was founded in 1137. It was rebuilt in the 15th century and destroyed by Huguenots in 1568. The current abbey was reconstructed between 1660 and 1685 on the orders of Louis XIV.
Overlooking both the Belle Valley and beautiful French-style gardens, the majestic 17th-century convent buildings in the Louis XIV style house a museum where you can see the Abbot's room, a recreated monk's cell, and collections of religious objects and ecclesiastical clothing.
Duino Castle was built by the Wallsee family in 1389 on the cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. It replaced an older castle from the 11th century. Over time, the Wallsee family disappeared and the castle, after having been used as a prison, became the residence of the Luogar and Hofer.
At the end of the 19th century it became the property of Prince Alexander von Thurn und Taxis from the Czech branch of the House of Thurn and Taxis. It remains with the family to this day with his great-grandson Prince Carlo Alessandro della Torre e Tasso, Duke of Castel Duino the current owner. The castle has been opened to the public as a museum and park.