Castles and panoramas along the border
Stanjel - San Daniele del Carso
Let's go and discover some splendid and less known jewels, located in a landscape capable of surprising for its diversity and richness. We immediately plunge into the deepest Karst entering Slovenia at Goriansko, passing Komen and reaching the village of Stanjel - San Daniele del Carso, where the plateau ends and opens itself into the Vipava valley. Coiling a hill, equipped with walls, with a semi-ruined castle and a 15th Century church, it is a picturesque little village, unknown by tourists and holding some nice surprises. One of these is the beautiful panoramic garden built by the architect Max Fabiani during the Twenties.
From Stanjel we take the road to Nova Gorica, immersed in nature, along which we encounter another ancient castle, that of Branik - Rifembergo, chosen in 1989 as the location for the abode of "the Unnamed" in the Italian TV series devoted to the famous historic novel by Alessandro Manzoni "The Betrothed" (I Promessi Sposi). We go back to Italy at Gorizia and head straight toward the splendid hill and wine region of the Collio, that has one of its most important points in San Floriano: historical reenactments, guided visits, wine tastings and themed dinners often take place in the suggestive Formentini Castle - rare example of rural fortified architecture - and in its beautiful park.
From Stanjel we take the road to Nova Gorica, immersed in nature, along which we encounter another ancient castle, that of Branik - Rifembergo, chosen in 1989 as the location for the abode of "the Unnamed" in the Italian TV series devoted to the famous historic novel by Alessandro Manzoni "The Betrothed" (I Promessi Sposi). We go back to Italy at Gorizia and head straight toward the splendid hill and wine region of the Collio, that has one of its most important points in San Floriano: historical reenactments, guided visits, wine tastings and themed dinners often take place in the suggestive Formentini Castle - rare example of rural fortified architecture - and in its beautiful park.
Passing the border again (in the Slovenian part the Collio changes its name into Brda) another unmissable destination is the fortress-village of Smartno (San Martino), also built over a hill. Walking among its narrow alleys, its old houses and the well renovated ones, we have the sensation of walking in a medieval maze, that from time to time interrupts itself to let us admire glimpses of the beautiful surrounding landscape. The breathtaking views' lovers will surely climb the steps of the 24-meter tall panoramic tower located in a place named Gonjace, because from its top, since it is placed in the exact center of the Collio, they'll enjoy an incredible 360 degrees view over an extremely vast territory, reaching Gorizia, the Karst and the sea.
Let's go back to the northern part of Nova Gorica and take the uphill road leading to the Monte Santo - Sveta Gora shrine, located between the Vipava and the Soča valley, important for three reasons: it is a relevant Marian pilgrimage destination; it is - once again - an exceptional panoramic point and it was a significant location of the Fist War War, so much that a path has been set up, following the trenches and crossing the caves where the conflict took place and, in addition, an interesting museum collection can be visited.
Last but not least in our itinerary the visit to the Castle of Gorizia, built in the 11th Century but later enlarged following the increased power of the Counts of Gorizia and Gradisca, who ruled over vast territories: both the interiors and the exteriors are a must: the former host the Museum of the Medieval Gorizia and the permanent exhibition on ancient musical instruments; the latter consist of the surrounding ancient medieval village.
Let's go back to the northern part of Nova Gorica and take the uphill road leading to the Monte Santo - Sveta Gora shrine, located between the Vipava and the Soča valley, important for three reasons: it is a relevant Marian pilgrimage destination; it is - once again - an exceptional panoramic point and it was a significant location of the Fist War War, so much that a path has been set up, following the trenches and crossing the caves where the conflict took place and, in addition, an interesting museum collection can be visited.
Last but not least in our itinerary the visit to the Castle of Gorizia, built in the 11th Century but later enlarged following the increased power of the Counts of Gorizia and Gradisca, who ruled over vast territories: both the interiors and the exteriors are a must: the former host the Museum of the Medieval Gorizia and the permanent exhibition on ancient musical instruments; the latter consist of the surrounding ancient medieval village.
Stanjel - San Floriano del Collio - Smartno - Monte Santo - Gorizia Castle
Total duration: around 7 hours, of which 2 hours and 45 minutes of car transfers (120 kms circa)