Gorizia

Gorizia, located on the border with Slovenia, is a city with a complex and fascinating history. Once the capital of a county within the Habsburg Empire, it's often called the 'Austrian Nice'. This past is reflected in its elegant architecture, parks, and multicultural heritage. The heart of the city is its medieval castle, which provides panoramic views of the city and the Isonzo (Soča) valley. A unique symbol of European unity is the Transalpina Square, situated directly on the border, which Gorizia shares with its Slovenian sister city, Nova Gorica. The city is a melting pot of Italian, Slovene, and Germanic cultures, evident in its gastronomy and traditions. Visitors can wander through the characterful streets, visit the Gorizia Cathedral, and explore the numerous museums dedicated to the history of the World Wars in this region. Culinarily, the region is famous for its excellent wines from the Collio area, as well as dishes like goulash and jota stew. Getting to Gorizia is easy by train from Trieste, Udine, or Venice. The best time to visit is spring or autumn to enjoy the mild climate and the grape harvest. Gorizia features a unique blend of history, culture, and a cross-border experience.

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History & landmarks

Kostanjevica Monastery (Nova Gorica)

The Kostanjevica Franciscan Monastery in Nova Gorica is famous as the final resting place of the last members of the French Bourbon dynasty.

Smartno

A fortified medieval village in the heart of the Goriška Brda wine region, featuring seven defense towers.

Brda

The Slovenian Tuscany: a landscape of rolling hills with vineyards, orchards, and medieval villages.

Rihemberk Castle

Rihemberk Castle towers majestically above the village of Branik and is one of the largest and oldest castles in the Vipava Valley.

Cividale del Friuli

A UNESCO World Heritage town of Lombard origin perched on the banks of the Natisone River.

Vipava Valley

A fertile valley between the Karst and the mountains, known for the strong Burja wind and indigenous wines.

Gewerkenegg Castle

Gewerkenegg Castle in Idrija was built in the 16th century as the administrative headquarters for the local mercury mine.

Sezana

Sezana is the commercial heart of the Karst region, known for its long winemaking tradition, a beautiful botanical garden, and its proxim…

Nature

Lipica Stud Farm

The place of origin of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses was founded in 1580.

Krn

Krn is a 2,244-meter high peak above the Soča Valley.

More places

Solkan Bridge

The Solkan Bridge over the Soča River holds the world record for the longest stone arch of a railway bridge.

Pipistrel Aircraft

Pipistrel in Ajdovščina is a pioneer in electric and light aircraft manufacturing.

Archaeological Area of Aquileia

Formerly one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire.

Kolovrat

Kolovrat is a mountain ridge above the Soča Valley on the border with Italy.

Divje Babe Archaeological Park

Divje Babe is a karst cave famous worldwide for the discovery of the oldest known flute.

Tolmin Gorges

Tolmin Gorges are the lowest entry point into the Triglav National Park.

Port of Trieste

The port of Trieste is a major logistical hub on the Adriatic Sea.

Kobarid Ossuary

The imposing Italian ossuary on Gradič Hill was inaugurated in 1938 to commemorate the fallen of the Isonzo Front in World War I.