TRIPS IN THE VICINITY
THE HERITAGE OF MANY CENTURIES AT RIHEMBERK AND GORIZIA CASTLES
ITINERARY:
Branik–Sv. Martin–Šempas–Ozeljan–Nova Gorica–Gorica–Šempeter pri Gorici–Volčja Draga–Dornberk-Branik
DISTANCE: 55 km
DURATION: half-day trip
DESCRIPTION:
The province of Gorica (Gorizia/Görz) was one of the historical provinces of the Holy Roman Empire, then the Habsburg Monarchy and Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its seat was in the city of Gorica. Nowadays this former province is divided between Slovenia and Italy. We can learn about some of the rich history and cultural heritage of the province by visiting the castle in Gorizia and Castle Rihemberk. The castle in Gorizia was home to the counts of Gorizia who thanks to a fortunate turn of events acquired great power and repute in a short space of time. There is a carpark inside the castle complex. After visiting the castle follow the footpath down into the old city centre at the foot of the castle hill where you can discover the stories of different nations and faiths. On the central square known as Travnik, the great Tolmin Peasant Uprising took place, which spread from Tolmin to the Vipava Valley and the Karst. Rihemberk was one of the centres of the revolt. Rihemberk Castle holds many other stories. An unforgettable experience is climbing to the top of the almost 30-metre-high tower and enjoying the panoramic views. On the way from one castle to the other you can stop in the places you pass through to uncover their stories and taste the local delicacies.
ATTRACTIONS ON THE WAY:
• Visiting and exploring Rihemberk Castle and climbing its mighty tower
• Sv. Martin: views of the Vipava Valley, the fringes of the Trnovo Forest, Rihemberk Castle and the Karst in the background
• A fertile region with reputed winegrowers and farmers of olives, peaches and cherries
• Prvačina: museum room dedicated to the “Aleksandrinke” – women who in the second half of the 19th and the early 20th century went to work in Alexandria, Egypt
• Nova Gorica: new modernist town that emerged next to the border after World War II; the square shared by both towns; the tomb of the Bourbons and the last French king, and the beautiful library in the Franciscan monastery in Kostanjevica, Nova Gorica
• Gorizia: visit Gorizia Castle and discover the city’s interesting past, as well as the stories of different nations, faiths and social classes on a walk through the old town centre