Gorizia
Our dedicated city guide
Gorizia is your typical border town: just a few years ago a wall divided the Transalpina Square but today you may walk along with your left foot in Italy and your right foot in Slovenia! Richly endowed with culture, art and history Gorizia has always balanced the strong surrounding European cultures (Germanic, Slavic and Latin).
Gorizia is a small jewel surrounded by a fabulous hilly countryside, the Collio Hills and it is located in the confluence of the famous emerald green Isonzo river. Besides the wonderful nature of this area and its historical heritage, Gorizia is also well known for the production of local wines and many gastronomic products from here such as honey, oil and mushrooms are sold all over the world.
For those who feel particularly lucky, a short distance away are some of the largest and most famous casinos in Slovenia, such as Perla and Park, a sort of European Las Vegas, where in addition to playing slot machines or at the poker tables, you can enjoy fabulous shows.
The strategic location of Gorizia, allows you to reach the major town of the region Udine and take a walk along the seaside of Trieste within 20 minutes.
Discover Gorizia, the medieval town
The Castle
Founded in early medieval times, probably in the XIth century, the Castle of Gorizia remains a robust and articulate construction to this day with its distinctive shape of a pentagon around the wide Court of the Lanzi. From the Court visitors access the 13th century Palazzetto of the Counts, the western part of the Castle – recognized from its five Romanesque windows, and the 15th century Palace of the Provincial States in the east, connected to the Palazzetto by means of a connecting structure called Palazzetto Veneto. The rooms in the Castle are furnished with ancient furniture: on the ground floor one can admire the small dining room and the kitchen, with medieval furniture and implements. Also on the ground floor is the Hall of the Knights, where there are some interesting copies of arms and armor.
Opening hours:
- Tue, Wed, Thu: 10 am – 3 pm
- Fri, Sat, Sun and holidays: 10 am – 6 pm
Book your tickets for Gorizia Castle for free directly from our Best Friend Minisite.
The Cathedral
An ancient building that also survived the world wars, inside there are real artistic treasures, such as the Chapel of Sant’Acazio, dating back to the late Gothic period.
Opening hours:
- Weekdays 8.30 am – 7.00 pm
- Holidays 8.30 am – 8.00 pm
Lantieri Palace
Once the guesthouse of the Counts of Gorizia, this building, which has welcomed famous people such as Casanova within its walls, contains priceless frescoes and paintings.
Guided tour on reservations: [email protected]
Piazza Vittoria
Returning to Piazza Cavour and turning into Via del Rastello we come to Piazza della Vittoria dominated by the fairytale Fountain of Neptune, designed by Nicolò Pacassi.
The Jewish Ghetto and the Synagogue
The Jewish Ghetto and the Synagogue lies on Ascoli Street. An imposing 19th century building with sober features that contains the very interesting didactic Museum of the “Little Jerusalem on the Isonzo” (according to the name defining the local Hebrew community).
Challenge your luck in the Casinos near Gorizia
Only a few minutes from the Best Western Gorizia Palace by car lies the little Las Vegas of Nova Gorica – an élite European poker destination. Crossing the Slovenian border you’ll find many famous casinos such as Perla or Park Casino.
- Casinò Perla
The casino offers you an exciting gaming experience with 1,138 state-of-the-art slot machines and 68 gaming tables with a wide selection of games. A brand new Poker Room has recently been inaugurated – unique to Slovenia it will host several poker tournaments.
How to reach it: Kidric eva 7, 5000 Nova Gorica – Slovenia -
Casinò Park
One of the largest and the most attractive gaming and entertainment centers in Europe. It offers 36 gaming tables and 789 modern slot machines, exciting tournaments and prizes, entertainment includes concerts and broadcasting of the most important sports events.
How to reach it: Delpinova 5, 5000 Nova Gorica – Slovenia
How to reach the Casinos
From the hotel follow the directions for “Casa Rossa”. Once you have crossed the border, follow directions for the centre of Nova Gorica where you will find a sign for the casinos in the area.
Itineraries between history, art and landscapes
Gorizia is a perfect destination for those who love to explore nature and not only. The immense green areas, the rugged and snowy peaks, but also the hills that caress the landscape give life to a real spectacle, all to be discovered. Outdoor enthusiasts will fall in love with this beautiful city. Here are some itineraries in the area to discover many incredible destinations!
An itinerary in the Collio Hills
The Collio’s succession of rolling downs, dotted with small villages and vineyards, covers a total of 1,600 hectares. A DOC zone, it runs almost without a break from east to west, its gentle slopes presenting extensive south-facing areas that are ideal for premium-quality winemaking. Home to many great white wines, the Collio produces Pinot Grigio and Bianco, Tocai Friulano, Sauvignon and the renowned Collio Bianco, the DOC’s blended wine. The leading reds are Collio Rosso, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, and Merlot.
Cycling tours into the nature
- Collio Tour (28 km):
Capriva – Castello di Spessa – Cormòns – Brazzano – San Rocco – Monte Quarin – Subida – Russiz Superiore – Capriva - Wine and Cherry Route (36,4 km):
Gorizia – Mossa – Capriva – Cormons – Giasbana – San Floriano – Oslavia – Piuma – Gorizia
A trip to Gradisca d'Isonzo
Only 13 km from Gorizia you will find a beautiful village regarded by the Venetian Republic as a bulwark against the frequent and furious Turkish invasions of Friuli. Built by the architects of Venice this fortified town features wide streets forming a regular grid. Take a walk along the ancient walls, planned by Leonardo Da Vinci and visit the wonderful Palazzo del Capitano inside the castle.
Gorizia: Going to Museums in Borgo Castello
Gorizia is rich in history and especially in museums. In Borgo Castello, right inside the ancient structure that overlooks the city, there are several housed in the Formentini, Dornberg and Tasso Houses: specifically the Museum of the Great War, the Museum of Fashion and Applied Arts, the Archaeological Collection.
San Daniele del Friuli and the Prosciutto DOP
Taste one of the excellences of our territory, the San Daniele del Friuli DOP raw ham, known internationally for its unique taste, the result of a thousand-year-old tradition and a unique microclimate.
The flavours of traditional cuisine
Gorizia, the meeting point of Central European, Friulian and Trieste cuisine, is a small gastronomic pearl, a land of choice for very noble wines and refined distillates, as well as rich and varied table traditions. Through Gorizia’s cuisine you can discover the history of a border land, always in contact with different cultures from which it has been influenced and enriched.
Trattoria alla Luna
Experience typical dishes from Gorizia in a rustic restaurant.
Address: 13, Via Oberdan
Trattoria da Gianni
The ideal place for those who want to satisfy their appetite in a traditional city tavern.
Address: 10, Via Carlo Morelli
Al Chiostro
An elegant venue looking out over the castle.
Address: 10, Piazza Sant’Antonio
La Tarantella
Pizza restaurant.
Address: Corso Italia 99.
Trattoria ai 3 soldi
Typical Central European fare.
Address: Corso Italia, 38.
Caffè Teatro
A historical central cafe, with a lovely outdoor area.
Address: 1, Corso Italia.
Osteria Ca' di Pieri
Small and welcoming trattoria, located in the heart of the city, where you can enjoy traditional dishes that vary with the seasons.
Address: Via P. Antonio Codelli, 5.
Gorizia surprises you with its events
Every day something new: the events that make Gorizia unique and vibrant await you!