Visit Gorizia, the European Capital of Culture

Tucked between Italy and Slovenia, Gorizia is one of those places that instantly surprises you. One moment you’re strolling past elegant Austro-Hungarian buildings, and the next, you’re crossing an invisible border into Nova Gorica, its Slovenian twin and co-European Capital of Culture 2025. Set right next to the Collio Goriziano vineyards, it’s also a dream stop for anyone chasing great Friuli wineries. Think crisp Ribolla Gialla, sunset tastings, and hilltop views that go on forever. Gorizia blends Habsburg history, cross-border flair, and Friulian food culture into one perfectly walkable destination. If you’re craving something authentic, layered, and just a bit unexpected, this is where your next Italian adventure begins.

Visit Gorizia and discover the best things to do

Explore Gorizia Castle

Start your visit at the top, literally. The Gorizia Castle (Castello di Gorizia) towers over the city, offering some of the best panoramic views in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. This medieval fortress has seen centuries of border skirmishes, royal intrigues, and even battles from World War I. Today, it’s your gateway into the region’s Austro-Hungarian past. Wander along its cobbled walkways, explore the old walls, and step into the castle’s museum, home to everything from medieval armor to First World War relics.

Wander through Piazza della Vittoria

Piazza della Vittoria is where Gorizia truly comes alive. Framed by arcades and crowned by the Baroque beauty of Sant’Ignazio Church, this square feels like the city’s living room. Grab a plate of gnocchi or sip a local wine on a terrace and just watch life roll by. The mix of imperial elegance and laid-back charm gives you a taste of Gorizia’s unique vibe, past and future blending in one stylish stroll.

Step onto both Sides of history at Piazza Transalpina

Piazza Transalpina (or Europe Square) is where borders meet, and disappear. Once split by a Cold War wall, this quiet plaza tells the story of a divided Europe, marked by a simple white line that used to mean so much more. Today, it’s a powerful symbol of unity, letting you step from Italy into Slovenia in just one stride. On one side: Gorizia. On the other, Nova Gorica. It’s peaceful, surreal, and strangely beautiful, perfect for snapping a photo and reflecting on how far Europe has come.

Delve into the Jewish Quarter

Before the Shoah, Gorizia was known as the “Jerusalem on the Isonzo,” a nickname that speaks volumes about its once-vibrant Jewish community. Tucked within the old town, the Jewish Quarter tells a story of deep cultural roots, resilience, and loss. Wander its quiet streets, visit the beautifully restored synagogue, and take time at the Jewish Museum, each space offering a powerful window into centuries of life, learning, and endurance.

Learn the Story of Gorizia and Nova Gorica

Since Slovenia joined the Schengen area, Gorizia and Nova Gorica have gone from divided cities to a powerful symbol of togetherness. What was once a border marked by fences and tension is now a shared space filled with festivals, street art, and joint cultural events. With their 2025 European Capital of Culture title, these twin cities are rewriting their story, celebrating unity, creativity, and the joy of crossing borders without even noticing.

Visit Gorizia and the best things to do around

Walk to Oslavia

Just a 10-minute uphill walk from Gorizia, the quiet village of Oslavia unfolds with powerful contrasts, where peaceful vineyards meet somber WWI history. Perched above the Isonzo River, this hilltop spot is home to a striking ossuary holding the remains of thousands of Italian soldiers, a place of remembrance with sweeping views of the Gorizia Hills. But Oslavia isn’t just about reflection; it’s also a treat for wine lovers. The area’s unique soil and climate give rise to bold, complex wines, especially the famous orange wines made from Ribolla Gialla.

All aboard for nostalgia

Few travel moments feel as cinematic as watching (or riding) an old steam train crossing the iconic stone bridge over the Soča River near Gorizia. With the smoke billowing, the wheels clanking, and the turquoise waters of the Soča gliding beneath, it’s a scene straight out of a classic film. This historic railway ride winds through the hills of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, offering vintage vibes, river views, and a taste of slow travel at its finest.

Explore the picturesque village of Cormons

Explore the picturesque village of Cormòns, a hidden gem in the heart of Friuli’s Collio wine region. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and gentle hills, this charming village feels like a postcard brought to life. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with pastel houses, sip local Ribolla Gialla in a family-run enoteca, and soak in the relaxed pace of countryside living. With a mix of Austro-Hungarian flair and Italian warmth, Cormòns is the kind of place where you come for the wine but stay for the atmosphere.

Drive to Udine for the day

Only an hour’s drive from Gorizia, Udine is the kind of city that surprises you, in the best way. With its mix of Venetian flair, laid-back piazzas, and standout regional wines, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and soak in some Friulian culture. Start in Piazza della Libertà (arguably one of the prettiest squares in Northern Italy), wander up to the hilltop castle for Alpine views, then reward yourself with a glass of Ribolla Gialla in Udine wineries or a plate of frico in a sunny café.

Ready for a quick getaway? Just drive and visit Udine Italy for the day and let the charm do the rest.

Discover the nearby Trieste

Just about 35 miles south of Gorizia, Trieste is an easy day trip packed with coastal charm and old-world flair. This elegant port city once belonged to the Austrian Empire, and you’ll feel it in the grand buildings and mix of cultures. Start at Piazza Unità d’Italia, Europe’s largest sea-facing square, then visit the beautiful Miramare Castle just up the coast. Wander through the Jewish Quarter, grab a coffee in one of the city’s famous cafés. Enjoy a plate of gnocchi with a view of the Adriatic, and why not a glass of wine in one of the most popular Trieste wineries.

Don’t miss our guide and discover the best things to do in Trieste!

Good to Know before visiting Gorizia