This calm border town near Slovenia has a medieval castle perched on a hilltop. Its historic center winds through narrow streets, while vineyards dot the surrounding countryside.
Gorizia, a city of 35,000 residents in northeastern Italy, sits at the foot of the Julian Alps along the Slovenian border. In the city center, you'll find the Church of Sant'Ignazio with its distinctive green onion domes, while an 11th-century castle overlooks the town from its hilltop position. At Transalpina Square, you can place one foot in Italy and another in Slovenia, making it one of Europe's most unusual border crossings.
Walking Through the City Center
Piazza della Vittoria forms the heart of Gorizia, where you'll see the 18th-century Neptune Fountain and the baroque Church of Sant'Ignazio with its white façade and twin green domes. Walk down Via del Rastello, where medieval buildings now house local shops and cafes. A gate once stood here, closing off the citadel from the countryside at night.
The Medieval Castle Complex
From the 11th-century castle on the city's main hill, you can see across both Italy and Slovenia. The castle grounds include a small borgo where residents live and work. You can explore the Corte dei Lanzi with its 16th-century tower foundations and visit the 13th-century Palazzetto dei Conti. The Museum of Medieval Gorizia tells the city's story through objects and artifacts from daily life through the centuries.
Border Experience at Transalpina Square
At Transalpina Square, you can walk between Italy and Slovenia without barriers. Before Slovenia joined the Schengen area in 2007, a wall split the square between Gorizia and Nova Gorica. While you can now move freely across the border, remember to carry your passport. The square will be central to celebrations when both cities become European Capitals of Culture in 2025.
Local Food and Wine Culture
Gorizia's cooking combines Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian recipes. Try local dishes like zlikrof (stuffed ravioli), bread dumplings, and sweets such as putizza and strudel. The hills of Collio Goriziano surrounding the city produce white wines, particularly from the native Ribolla Gialla and Friulano grape varieties. You can visit several wineries in the area to taste wines and learn about local winemaking methods.
Religious Sites and Jewish History
The former Synagogue of Gorizia, built in the 1600s, now houses the Little Jerusalem on the Isonzo museum where you can learn about the local Jewish community's history. Visit the 14th-century cathedral to see its baroque stucco decorations and historical treasures from the former patriarchate of Aquileia. The cathedral was rebuilt after World War I damage.
