Feel the City in Gorizia - Tips for the beauty on the border

✨ Why Gorizia will surprise you

A city that can do more than you think

It's no coincidence that Gorizia, or Gorizia, is the European Capital of Culture in 2025! The city boasts a unique location, a complex history, and a potential that only becomes apparent once you're there. That's precisely why a visit is worthwhile: Gorizia surprises because it's different.

The city lies directly on the border with Slovenia , within walking distance of its sister city, Nova Gorica. For decades, this border was a symbol of division – today it is a symbol of exchange, encounter, and openness.

ℹ️ You will learn this in this article:

• What makes Gorizia so special?
• The history of Gorizia in 5 exciting stations
• Your self-guided city tour through Gorizia
• Gorizia 2025: Capital of Culture with Nova Gorica
• Culinary delights in Gorizia: What you should definitely try
• It’s so easy to find Gorizia – and also a parking space
• 9 tips on what you should definitely do in Gorizia

✨ What makes Gorizia special?

• The exciting mix of Italian and Central European architecture
• Historically significant places : from the medieval castle to the Piazza Transalpina and the Jewish synagogue
• A manageable city center that can be easily explored on foot
• Authentic atmosphere off the beaten tourist track

With our digital scavenger hunt, you can discover Gorizia in a playful and interactive way. Instead of dry information, you'll find exciting stories, little puzzles, and real insider knowledge. This turns your city tour into an experience – at your own pace.

✨ The history of Gorizia in 5 exciting stations

Gorizia looks back on a long and eventful history. Gorizia was first mentioned in 1001. The city quickly developed into an important trading center. In the 14th century, Gorizia fell under the influence of the Habsburgs, which led to a cultural and economic boom that contributed significantly to the city's development.

The two world wars left deep scars on the city. Gorizia was a strategic frontline location in World War I. After the war, the city was divided between Italy and Yugoslavia, leading to a complex political and social situation. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, Gorizia has become a symbol of peace and cooperation, serving as a bridge between two cultures.

🏰 1. Castello di Gorizia - Castle of Gorizia

The medieval castle towers over the city and was once the seat of the Counts of Gorizia. It has been expanded and rebuilt several times over the centuries. After suffering severe damage in World War I, the castle was restored before World War II, restoring it to its 16th-century appearance! Today, the castle houses the Gorizia Medieval Museum, which displays a collection of historical weapons, furniture, and reproductions of medieval siege engines.

From the battlements, which you can visit free of charge, you have a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the Isonzo Valley.

⛪ 2. The Cathedral of Gorizia

Gorizia Cathedral, officially the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Saints Ilario and Taziano, is the city's most important Catholic church. Its origins date back to the 13th century, with the first mention of it dating back to 1296. Over the centuries, the church has been expanded and rebuilt several times. After suffering severe damage during the First World War, it was restored to its present form in 1928, retaining Baroque elements.

Inside the cathedral is a richly decorated high altar from 1707, attributed to Giovanni Pacassi. Particularly noteworthy is the 15th-century Chapel of Saint Acacia, the only remaining part of the original structure. It features an impressive vaulted ceiling with depictions of the four evangelists.

The cathedral also houses the tomb of Leonard of Gorizia, the last Count of Gorizia, who died in 1500. Since 1752, the church has been the seat of the Archbishopric of Gorizia and plays a central role in the religious life of the region.

🕊️ 3. Piazza della Vittoria

Piazza della Vittoria is the central square of Gorizia and is located at the foot of the Castle of Gorizia. Originally a meadow, the square developed into the social center of the city in the 18th century.

Among the striking buildings on the piazza is the Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio , a Baroque Jesuit church built between 1654 and 1747. The church impresses with its richly decorated façade and the characteristic onion-shaped domes of its towers. The interior features elaborate frescoes and altars dating back to the 18th century.

Also located on the piazza is the Palazzo della Torre , a 16th-century building that served as the seat of the provincial governor during the Habsburg period. After Gorizia's transition to Italy, it was converted into a prefecture, and it still serves as such today.

Piazza della Vittoria is not only an architectural center but also a place of historical significance. In 1714, eleven leaders of the Slovenian Peasant Uprising of Tolmin were executed here, an event commemorated by a commemorative plaque in several languages.

🚉 4. Piazza della Transalpina

The Piazza della Transalpina (Slovene: Trg Evrope) is an iconic square connecting the cities of Gorizia (Italy) and Nova Gorica (Slovenia). The square was named after the Transalpine Railway, which connects Trieste with Jesenice and opened in 1906.

After World War II, a new border was established in 1947 by the Treaty of Paris, dividing the square between Italy and Yugoslavia. The "Muro di Gorizia" separated the two sides until it was dismantled in 2004.

In memory of the Muro di Gorizia, a mosaic line on the ground now marks the former border! The square symbolizes the overcoming of division and European integration. With Slovenia's accession to the Schengen Area in 2007, free movement across the square became fully possible.

🌳 5. Giardino Pubblico di Corso Verdi

The Giardino Pubblico di Corso Verdi in Gorizia was established in 1863 on agricultural land belonging to the De Grazia family. Originally, the park covered an area of ​​approximately two hectares, stretching from present-day Corso Verdi to Valletta del Corno. Over time, its size was reduced due to urban development.

The park is known for its diverse vegetation, including evergreen trees such as magnolias, holm oaks, and maritime pines, as well as deciduous trees such as horse chestnuts, lindens, hackberry trees, plane trees, and ginkgo trees. It is also home to shrubs such as Nandina domestica and Mahonia japonica. This plant diversity gives the park a special atmosphere in every season.

A notable feature of the park is the historic weather station from 1895, which is still in operation today.

✨ Your self-guided city tour through Gorizia

A city walk can be interesting – or boring. It depends on how you experience it . Our digital scavenger hunt through Gorizia is an interactive adventure where you get active , solve puzzles, combine clues, and learn more about the city step by step.

🎯 What awaits you?

• Facts and stories , excitingly told
• Quiz questions, puzzles and mini-tasks that you can only solve on site
• A route to the most beautiful places in Gorizia
• Stories, gossip and little secrets behind the facades
• Everything with your smartphone

📱 How it works:

• You book the scavenger hunt online.
• You will receive a link with access to the tour via email.
• You go – whenever you want, with whomever you want.
• The route takes you through Gorizia – accompanied by exciting information and interactive tasks.

Whether you are traveling alone, with your partner, friends or children:
Our scavenger hunt is flexible, entertaining and full of aha moments.

🎒 Good to know:
The route is doable on foot; all you need is an internet-enabled mobile phone, a bit of curiosity – and the desire to experience Gorizia from a new perspective.

✨ Gorizia 2025: Capital of Culture with Nova Gorica

Why a visit is especially worthwhile now

2025 is no ordinary year for Gorizia. Together with its Slovenian neighbor Nova Gorica, the city will become a European Capital of Culture —the first cross-border one in the history of this EU project.

🌍 Two cities, one program

In 2025, Gorizia will be the European Capital of Culture together with Nova Gorica – and you won't want to miss it. For the first time in the history of this EU title, two cities from two countries will share the stage – connected by history, division, and now: cooperation.

Under the motto "GO! Borderless," over 600 events await you – from exhibitions to music and theater to innovative urban projects. Many of them will take place directly on the former border, in the middle of the Piazza Transalpina or in public spaces. The region demonstrates how diverse Europe can be – and how exciting it is when borders no longer divide, but connect.

👉 The entire program can be found on the official website: www.go2025.eu

With our scavenger hunt, you can explore Gorizia independently, flexibly, and on your own – whenever and however you want . You'll delve deeper into the history, learn about some of the most beautiful places where the Capital of Culture program is taking place, and experience the city in a fun way. This way, you won't miss a thing – and at the same time, you'll have your very own adventure in the bag.

✨ Culinary delights in Gorizia: What you should definitely try

Between Friuli, Slovenia and Austria – a plate full of history

Those visiting Gorizia will discover not only architecture and history, but also a surprisingly diverse cuisine . The dishes here reflect what defines the city: a blend of Italian lifestyle, Slovenian traditions, and Habsburg heritage.

🍲 Typical specialties from Gorizia:

• Jota – a hearty stew with sauerkraut, beans, potatoes, and sometimes sausages. Perfect on cooler days.
• Gubana – a sweet specialty with nuts, raisins, chocolate and grappa – ideal with coffee.
• Frico – a savory cheese and potato cake, fried until crispy, typical of Friuli.
• Struccoli di mele – apple strudel Gorizia style – often served with cinnamon, nuts and cream.
• Brovada – fermented white beets, similar to sauerkraut, usually served as a side dish.

🍷 What you should drink:

• White wines from the Collio – especially Ribolla Gialla or Friulano
• Terrano – a strong, dark red wine, typical of the Karst region
• Local grappa variations – to warm up or round off the meal

✨ It’s so easy to find your way to Gorizia – and also a parking space

Arrival, parking and starting tips for your tour

Gorizia is located right where Italy, Slovenia, and Central Europe meet—making it easily accessible , whether you're coming from Austria, Italy, or Slovenia. What's particularly practical is that the city is compact and easy to explore on foot!

🚗 Arriving by car

• From Austria: Via Villach – Tarvisio – Udine (A23/A34), approx. 2 hours
• From Slovenia: Via Nova Gorica or the E61
• From Italy: Take the A4 towards Trieste, exit Villesse/Gorizia

🅿️ Parking in Gorizia – our recommendations:

• Parking Via Crispi
  Close to the city center, chargeable, mostly reliably free
• Parking at Piazza Vittoria
  Perfect for the start of the scavenger hunt
• Free parking in Via Duca d'Aosta (approx. 5–7 minutes walk to the center)
• Parking near Gorizia Centrale train station , also within walking distance to the starting point
• You can find more information in our article about Gorizia on our Trieste blog well-living .

🚆 Arrival by train

• Gorizia Centrale station is connected to the regional rail network: Direct connections to Udine, Trieste and Mestre/Venice Connection to Nova Gorica via footpath or bus

✨ Feel the City - your advantages with the self-guided city tour in Gorizia

Instead of just sights – real aha moments

Gorizia is a city steeped in history—and history is truly powerful when you understand and experience it. You don't just walk from A to B—you discover, combine, puzzle, and marvel .

🎯 What makes our scavenger hunt special?

• You explore the city actively – with your smartphone as a guide
• You will receive quizzes and puzzles that you can solve on site
• You will learn exciting stories
• Healthy exercise : Keep fit and enjoy the fresh air while exploring the city.
• You set the pace – take a break or keep going, whatever you want
• Perfect for curious people, families, couples and groups of friends

🔍 Want to discover new things?

🧠 Our goal:
You go home with real memories – and you haven’t just taken photos, but have made connections : to places, to stories, to the city.

✨ 9 tips on what you should definitely do in Gorizia

• Explore the Old Town : Start your exploration in the picturesque old town. Stroll through the charming alleys, visit Piazza Vittoria, and enjoy the city's lively atmosphere.
• Visit Gorizia Castle : This impressive castle sits on a hill and offers breathtaking views as well as interesting exhibits on the city's history.
• Enjoy the local cuisine : Let yourself be tempted by Gorizia's culinary delights. Try special dishes like goulash and strudel, and sample the excellent wines from the surrounding vineyards.
• Cross the border : Take the opportunity to visit neighboring Nova Gorica. Experience cultural exchange and discover the similarities and differences between the two cities.
• Relax in the Botanical Garden : The Gorizia Botanical Garden is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet break and admire the diversity of plant life.
• Visit museums and cultural sites : Discover the Museo della Grande Guerra and the Art Museum to learn more about Gorizia's rich history and culture.
• Take advantage of the leisure opportunities : Surround yourself with nature and enjoy the surroundings by hiking or biking. Gorizia offers numerous scenic routes.
• Look out for local events : Look out for European Capital of Culture events, festivals, and markets during your stay. They offer a great opportunity to experience local culture firsthand.
• The self-guided Gorizia City Tour : An interactive adventure. Make your Gorizia experience unforgettable by participating in our unique scavenger hunt through the city! This interactive exploration combines fun and learning as you visit various locations in Gorizia. From Piazza Vittoria to the castle and San Ignacio Cathedral, exciting tasks and puzzles await you.

✨Conclusion: Gorizia awaits you!

Gorizia is a fascinating destination that combines history, culture, and enjoyment. Whether you're looking for adventure, culinary delights, or simply a break from everyday life, Gorizia has all this and much more to offer. Use our tips, discover the city's impressive history, and take part in the exciting scavenger hunt to get the most out of your visit.

Get ready to discover the beauty and magic of Gorizia – a place to remember!

✨ Enjoy Gorizia

We're happy if our article has given you ideas and inspiration! Get even more inspiration and an exciting, self-guided tour of Gorizia with our digital scavenger hunt.

Have fun and enjoy the city to the fullest!