TRIPS IN THE VICINITY
FROM RIHEMBERK TO THE SEA – CASTLES AND FORTRESSES OF THE OLD PROVINCE OF GORICA AND GRADIŠČE
ITINERARY:
Branik–Štanjel–Devin–Gorica–Nova Gorica–Dornberk–Branik
DISTANCE: 84 km
DURATION: daytrip
DESCRIPTION:
Our excursion begins at the foot of Rihemberk Castle and climbs towards the Karst plateau and Štanjel, the medieval village and castle with narrow streets, typical Karst stone houses and Ferrari’s park. From here we continue through pretty Karst villages and across the typical Karst landscape, cross the border into Italy and arrive in Devin (Duino). On a cliff high above the sea stands Devin Castle. This is a very special castle as it is still home to the noble family Torre e Tasso (Thurn und Taxis). Our route goes on past the intermittent Lake Doberdob towards Gorizia and Nova Gorica where we can make a stop at Europe Square. In front of the railway station by the Bohinj line which connected Central Europe with the Adriatic Sea, you can stand with one leg in Slovenia and the other in Italy.
ATTRACTIONS ON THE WAY:
• Visiting and exploring Rihemberk Castle and climbing its mighty tower
• Štanjel: a walk through the medieval village and its interesting park
• Devin/Duino: see the castle on the cliffs looking over the Bay of Trieste
• Gorizia: old town centre and hilltop castle
• Nova Gorica: Europe Square – coffee in the square shared by two cities