At the foot of the dramatic Julian Alps, in Northern Italy, sits the sleepy city of Gorizia. The town is home to a combination of modern buildings and Baroque architecture and has a pleasant Mediterranean climate year round, thanks to the surrounding Gorizia Hills.
Things to do in Gorizia
The first stop on a trip to Gorizia is Gorizia Castle. This medieval, Baroque-style building dates back to the 11th century. The castle is home to the Museum of the Middle Ages of Gorizia which exhibits 18th-century archaeological items, 15th-century furniture and a collection of reproduction weapons. The castles elevated position provides sweeping views over the city.
Victory Square, also known as Piazza della Vittoria, is a charming square in the town centre. In the middle of the plaza sits the Neptune Fountain that dates back to the 1700s. Head here early to grab a caffé latte and hot bread roll to-go from Fusar Loretta bakery.
The Museo della Grande Guerra is a World War I memorial museum located close to Gorizia Castle. Avid historians and children alike can learn about Word War I by reading the stories of former soldiers.
Just under one hour’s drive south of the city lies the Grado Lagoon, a picturesque coastal destination home to island inlets, golden beaches and rolling canals. If you’ve got a spare afternoon, head here to enjoy boat rides, bird spotting and nature walks around the lagoon.
Getting around Gorizia
Gorizia can be reached by air or rail, with Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport only 20 minutes north of the city. Trains to Gorizia also run regularly from Venice. The town itself is compact enough to explore on foot, but buses and taxis are also available if needed.