A little village nearby the banks of  Isonzo river, close to the main trades between Aquileia and Emona (Lubiana), Gorizia was a prehistoric fortress.
Named the first time in a document of 28th April 1001 “Quae sclavonica lingua vocatur Goritia” in which the emperor Ottone III, assigned as a present to patriarch Giovanni II, half castle and the territory of Salcano with the Villa of Gorizia  and an half to the Count Verihen of Friuli.
Sice 1th Centuri the city developed in two parts: one around the castle also called “Terra superiore”, with a political and administration role, and the part around the Villa with an important role in the agricultural and commercial sector.

The city maintains its shape till today. In 16th century, passed under the control of Austrian empire and extended till the castle’s foot. In the second part of 18th century became archiepiscopal seat with jurisdiction of the dioceses of Trieste, Trento, Como e Pedena.
Near the baroque cathedral, where were transferred lot of the Aquileia’s treasures, developed another characteristic historical centre which also hosted a Jewish synagogue, as a symbol of meeting of different people and religions.

During the two World Wars the city was seriously damaged but from 1918 rebuilt as before.
After the peace treaty of 1947, its territory was reduced and split by the Italian-Yugoslav boundary. It is an unusual example of an inhabited city centre divided in two different realities.

Gorizia is characterized by its shape of “garden-city”, public and private parks frame the architecture, streets, buildings, domes and café still  maintain the sign of a past Central European culture. Along its itineraries you will discover monuments, streets and squares still more ancient.

Long the Isonzo river which cross all the province where stand a large number of prestigious vineyard of famous local wine such as: Tocai, Chardonnay and others, you can reach many interesting castles.
 

SAN FLORIANO DEL COLLIO 

One of the main centre of production of Collio Wines. It hosts an ancient castle, of 15th century,  in a spectacular position on the top of a cliff where you can enjoy a wonderful panorama on the valley. It was part of the defensive structure which also included the fortresses of Gorizia and Gradisca, and involved in the war between Venice and the Habsburg Empire. From 1520 it is property of Formentini Counts.

GRADISCA D’ISONZO

A little town by Venetian aspect, maintains the plan of fortified city with parallel lines linked by small lanes. In 1473 Venice built a fortress which became an important military headquarter. Today the only parts that still remain of the boundary walls long 1800 metres are the Porta Nuova, between the San Giorgio tower and the Bell tower, and the Porta di Soccorso or Porta Isonzo erected later by Austrians. Under Venetian rule was also built the castle which Austrian Empire enlarged by 1509.

MONFALCONE

Seat of important shipyards, this little town faces the Gulf of Panzano, while to the North instead is limited by Karst highland. A famous building is the Rocca, which stands on the top of a rocky rise, where you can admire a wonderful panorama on the city and the sea.

REDIPUGLIA

It is a very small centre near to Monfalcone which hosts the most huge memorial to the war dead, The Sacrario Militare of Redipuglia. The elegant and stately monument is situated on a slope of Monte Sei Busi, this place was scene of many bloody battles during World War. Here lie over 100.000 fallen, 40.000 of them who have an identity are buried in the twenty-two large steps, while the other unknown people were put in the chapel on the top of the mountain. This monumental work was erected in 1938. The idea was to give the spectator the impression of an army in fighting trim, with soldiers arranged in lines.

GRADO

In the heart of the old village, walking around its narrows street and little square in Venetian style, you reach the old paleo-Christian Basilicas and the characteristic port-canal surrounded by the little houses, made by stones, of the old city.
If you are looking for something comfortable for your wealth, thanks to its thermal springs, Grado offers to its visitors the opportunity of  taking sand or hot bath and relaxing massages; to sportsmen are available all kind of  modern sport equipments.
If you are planning a summer holiday with your children the ideal place is the main beach, considered a paradise for its shallow water.
From the lagoon it is also possible to reach in half an hour by boat the island of Santa Maria of Barbana, with the homonymous Sanctuary. Erected by the villagers of Grado at the end of the pestilence, it is the destination of usual pilgrimages.