Gorizia, Bisiacaria, and Grado

<< Friuli Venezia Giulia

The Province of Gorizia is located between the historical regions of Friuli and Venezia Giulia, and it is crossed by the Isonzo river. The provincial capital is in the north, at the border with Slovenia, while the central area is a territory known as Bisiacaria. The province reaches the Adriatic Sea to the south, and includes the town of Grado and the eastern part of the Grado Lagoon.

Gorizia

Gorizia is a town in Friuli Venezia Giulia located right at the border with Slovenia. The town emerged during the Middle Ages and it became a regional center that ruled over various territories of Northeast Italy as the capital of the County of Gorizia. In the 1500 Gorizia became a possession of the Habsburgs, and the city stayed under Austrian rule for centuries. Gorizia became part of Italy after World War I with all of Venezia Giulia, but the region was divided after World War II. Gorizia became a border town along the Iron Curtain, with the city of Nova Gorica emerging on the other side. Now that the border between Italy and Slovenia is open, Gorizia and Nova Gorica form an intergated metropolitan zone, and a locally important economic center.

✪ Gorizia Castle

The Gorizia Castle is a medieval fortification located on a hill in Gorizia. It was built during the 11th century, and it was the center of local power for a long time. The castle was later reworked and expanded, and it was used as a prison and military barracks. Now it hosts a museum displaying the medieval history of Gorizia.

Borgo Castello

Borgo Castello is the oldest part of Gorizia, that stands right next to the castle. It is surrounded by massive defensive walls, and it hosts museums on local history and fashion. Borgo Castello also features various historic buildings such as the Church of Santo Spirito.

Gorizia Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of Santi Ilario e Taziano

The Gorizia Cathedral (Duomo di Gorizia) was originally erected in the Late Middle Ages as a small church with a chapel, and it was expanded in the following centuries. The church was destroyed during World War I and later rebuilt, but still hosts a few ancient sections and historic artworks.

Church of Sant’Ignazio

The Church of Sant’Ignazio is a Baroque church built between the 17th and 18th century. The richly decorated interior hosts interesting artworks including various paintings and sculptures.

Transalpina Square

Also known as: Europe Square (Trg Evrope)

Transalpina Square (Piazza della Transalpina) is a transborder square divided between Gorizia in Italy and Nova Gorica in Slovenia, where it is called Europe Square. The Italian name of the square comes from the Austrian Transalpine Railway of the early 20th century, as the Slovenian side hosts the historic train station along this railway. Since 2007 the border between Italy and Slovenia is open and people can freely cross the entire square.

Redipuglia

Redipuglia is a small town in the Province of Gorizia, part of the municipality of Fogliano Redipuglia. It is located near the Isonzo river, an area that saw fierce fighting during World War I.

✪ Redipuglia War Memorial

The Redipuglia War Memorial (Sacrario Militare di Redipuglia) is one of the largest war memorials in the world, hosting the remains of over 100,000 soldiers who died during the battles along the Isonzo river in World War I. It was built in the 1930s on the side of a hill forming a monumental stairway ending with a church. The former war cemetery, now a park, is located on Colle Sant’Elia right in front of the Redipuglia War Memorial.

Monfalcone

Monfalcone is a port in Friuli Venezia Giulia and the northernmost city on the Mediterranean Sea. It was founded by the Romans and it hosted some spas, but for centuries it remained a small town controlled by other local powers. The city was contested for centuries between Venice and Austria, and Monfalcone became part of Italy after World War I, when the town was right on the frontline. Now it is a major industrial center especially renowned for its shipbuilding industry.

Rocca of Monfalcone

The Rocca is a medieval fortress located on a hill overlooking Monfalcone. Probably erected in the Early Middle Ages, it was mainly used and expanded by the Venetians, before being abandoned. Now restored, it hosts a museum of paleontology and speleology.

Grado

Grado is a seaside town located on an island and a peninsula at the northern edge of the Adriatic Sea. The peninsula of Grado divides the open sea from the Grado Lagoon, which is noted for its unique environment. The city was founded under the Romans but it really developed after the invasion of the Huns, when many people fled to the islands from the mainland, similarly to what happened in the Venetian Lagoon. In the Early Middle Ages, Grado became one of the most important cities in the area, especially as a religious center, as the seat of the Patriarchate of Grado. Over time, Grado was overshadowed by Venice, with the Patriarchate moving there in 1451. Grado declined and became just a small fishing village, but now it is an important tourist destination with remarkable historic sites.

Basilica of Sant’Eufemia

The Basilica of Sant’Eufemia is the historic seat of the Patriarchate of Grado, until it was move to Venice in 1451. The basilica was built during the 6th century over a previous church and it is a great example of Paleochristian architecture. The interior features large mosaics and various artworks. A small Baptistery, also dating from the Paleochristian age, is adjacent to the basilica. A second Paleochristian church, the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie is located nearby.

Barbana Sanctuary

The Barbana Sanctuary is located on the small island of Barbana in the Grado Lagoon, near Grado. It was founded in the year 582 when the area was part of the mainland. Over the centuries, Barbana slowly became an island, and the sanctuary was expanded various times. The current church was only built in the early 20th century with rich decorations and it hosts various artworks from different centuries.