Ontdek Friuli met je eigen gids / Discover Friuli with your own guide / Scopri il Friuli con la tua guida privata /
Entdecken Sie Friaul mit Ihrer eigenen Fremdenführerin
The eventful history of the second smallest province
Photo Fabrice Gallina
Photo Marco Milani
Photo Fabrice Gallina
The province of Gorizia
WHAT TO VISIT IN GORIZIA AND ITS SURROUNDING?
GUIDED TOUR OF GORIZIA, THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE IN 2025
Gorizia, the capital of its namesake province, is a city of remarkable charm and cultural significance. Together with the Slovenian city of Nova Gorica, it has been named the European Capital of Culture for 2025. This designation highlights the unique collaboration between two neighboring cities across a border, celebrating shared history, culture, and artistic heritage.
The city itself, nestled in the southeastern corner of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, offers a fascinating glimpse into Mitteleuropean history. Gorizia’s rich and complex past is reflected in its elegant Habsburg-style architecture, lush gardens, and the echoes of its time as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Walking through its streets, you’ll feel the lingering presence of a royal past that continues to shape the city’s identity.
DISCOVER THE PROVINCE OF GORIZIA
Beyond the city, the province of Gorizia unfolds as a diverse and captivating destination. To the north and east, the Julian Alps create a dramatic backdrop, while the rolling Collio hills, famous for their world-class wines, stretch along the border with Slovenia. This picturesque region is a paradise for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering stunning landscapes and opportunities for wine tasting in local vineyards.
Heading south, you’ll reach the enchanting lagoon of Grado within just a half-hour’s drive. Grado, a charming island town, was once a humble fishing village and is now a popular beach and wellness destination. With its sandy beaches, thermal spas, and vibrant accommodation options, Grado provides a relaxing escape by the Adriatic Sea. The area also boasts two nature reserves, perfect for those looking to explore the local flora and fauna.
THE LEGACY OF WORLD WAR I
The province of Gorizia is also deeply tied to the history of World War I. Many battles of the Isonzo Front took place here, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow and remembrance. The National Monument and Sanctuary of Redipuglia, the final resting place of 100,000 soldiers, stands as a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives. For history enthusiasts, the area offers a wealth of wartime sites, including the trenches on Monte Sei Busi and the museum on Monte San Michele, where you can delve deeper into the stories of the Great War.
EXPLORE GORIZIA AND BEYOND
Whether you’re drawn to Gorizia for its historic charm, its role as the European Capital of Culture, or the beauty of its surrounding landscapes, the province offers something for everyone. From the vineyards of Collio to the beaches of Grado, and from the Habsburg elegance of the city to the poignant memories of World War I, Gorizia and its province are waiting to be discovered.
WHAT ABOUT:
GUIDED TOUR OF GORIZIA
Gorizia, together with its Slovenian neighbor Nova Gorica, is the European Capital of Culture in 2025. This collaboration is especially significant, as the two cities were divided by a wall - in this case a huge fence - in 1947 after World War II, a barrier that remained until 2004.
For nearly ten centuries part of the Austrian Empire, Gorizia is steeped in history. Nestled by the Isonzo River, it was a favoured retreat for Austrian nobility, earning the nickname "The Austrian Nice" for its mild climate, lush parks, the nearby Collio wine area and and proximity to the sea.
Gorizia is a true Mitteleuropa city, where Italian, Austrian, and Slavic influences blend seamlessly. This cultural fusion is reflected in its architecture and the flavors of its traditional trattorias, offering a unique experience of history and heritage.Continue reading to discover the beauty of Gorizia
GUIDED TOUR OF GRADISCA D'ISONZO
Gradisca comes from the Slovenian word Gradišče which means "fortified place". The first time the city is mentioned is in a document from 1160, but only in the 15th century the city becomes better known. In this century on the right bank of the Isonzo river, a huge fortress was build by the Venetians, of which still some remains can be seen. It is said the fortress was made with the contribution of Leonardo Da Vinci, to face the Turkish invasions.
Walking around the streets of the Old Town, you will find the XV Century Casa dei Provveditori Veneti and Torriani Palace, which houses the Town Documentary Museum and "Luigi Spazzapan" Gallery of Contemporary Art.
WINE TASTING TOUR IN THE COLLIO WINE REGION
More than half of the Friuli region consists of wine areas. In total there are eight of them. Each area is unique in its own kind of soil (gravel, sand, clay soil, karst rock) and location (flat land, hilly area, close to the sea, near the river). The most famous areas are the Collio nearby Gorizia and the Colli Orientali nearby Cividale. Here you feel like you're really on vacation, driving through the rolling hills overlooking the beautiful peaks with their characteristic cypresses that usually remind you of Tuscany or Umbria. If you come in the spring the landscape is scattered by pink colored blooming cherry trees.. Drive on winding country lanes, each with a beautiful new view and choose from many different wineries where you can stop to taste the delicious wines yourself.
GUIDED TOUR OF GRADO
Grado is called the sunny island and is located in the lagoon of Grado. Since the thirties of the last century it can be reached by a long bridge but for cenuries it was an island. Once a fishermen island, today a nice beach and wellness resort with long sandy beaches where you can still breath the past in the historical center. An enchanting little town to explore taking a stroll through the narrow streets called "calli" and "campielli", just like in Venice! Once a fortified "Castrum" starting from the Roman Empire, it still contains ancient places, houses and churches where you can discover the art and culture of this lovely town. You seem to relive the atmosphere of times gone by, admiring the beautiful Art Nouveau palaces of the early 20th century, the mosaics of the early Christian basilicas, the tiny colorful stone houses where the fishermen and their families lived. Enjoy the romantic sunsets on the dam and the great (fish) restaurants it has to offer.
GUIDED TOUR OF THE WAR MONUMENT, SACRARIO DI REDIPUGLIA
Impressive and overwhelming, in other words I can not express it. The Sacrario Militare di Redipuglia - Military Sanctuary of Redipuglia - is a very large monument made completely out of karst stone and has been built up against the hill called 'Monte Sei Busi' (the mountain of the six holes) site of heavy battles during the Great War.
The monument was inaugurated in 1938 by none other than Mussolini. It is the final resting place of as many as 100,000 soldiers who died in this area during the First World War.
Which places are good to combine in one day?
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Gorizia & Sacrario di Redipuglia
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Gorizia & wine area Collio
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Gorizia & Cormòns
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Gorizia & Gradisca d'Isonzo
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Gorizia & Grado