Tourist trails
Gorizia/Gorica
A natural and historic gem
The Peace park on Mount Sabotin – Where two nations meet, between the Adriatic and the Alps, Mount Sabotin rises above the Isonzo River – a place where natural splendour and solemn history intertwine. While lush nature now cloaks its slopes, this mountain bears witness to darker days. As the gateway to the Isonzo Valley, it saw bitter fighting between Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies during the First World War, its flanks carved with tunnels, trenches and caves. Today, the modern Sabotin Peace Park multimedia centre helps tell this story, while the mountain’s dual nature – as both war memorial and natural haven – makes it a powerful symbol of peace. Visitors now come not just for its history, but to hike, cycle and marvel at the panoramic views that stretch in every direction.
Info: https://www.sabotin-parkmiru.si
The trail: https://www.komoot.com/it-it/smarttour/16304607?
https://www.komoot.com/it-it/smarttour/20599393?
https://www.komoot.com/it-it/smarttour/7966525?
Mount San Michele: an open-air memorial – The landscape of Mount San Michele/Vrh Sv. Mihaela speaks volumes of its wartime past. In 2018, a century after the Great War’s end, this historic ground was transformed into an innovative heritage site. Here, trenches, passageways, corridors, memorial stones and monuments combine with a new museum to create a remarkable open-air exhibition. Modern interactive technology brings the front line between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire vividly to life, offering visitors an immersive journey into the past.
Info: https://www.museodelmontesanmichele.it/
The trail: https://www.komoot.com/it-it/smarttour/1642618?
Amare in bici – A cyclist’s dream unfolds in the hills around the Isonzo River, where lagoon meets sea in a perfectly sized region ideal for gentle exploration. This easily accessible network of cycling routes connects a treasure trove of experiences: from the vineyards of the Collio to the historic Rosazzo Abbey, from ancient Aquileia to coastal Grado, from star-shaped Palmanova to historic Gradisca, through the Gorizia Karst and the city itself, extending to Monfalcone and Duino. Well-marked trails, complete with information points, lead cyclists to carefully selected wineries, agriturismo-farmhouses, wine shops, traditional restaurants and accommodations – all showcasing the region’s exceptional local produce and hospitality.
The Orange benches trail – In Oslavia/Oslavje, where world-class Rebula wines now flourish, a poignant history lingers. This distinctive village, rebuilt along its main road after total destruction in the First World War, stands in the shadow of a solemn ossuary – the final resting place for 57,000 soldiers since 1938. Today, seven bright orange benches – one for each local winery – mark a thoughtful trail through the village’s most captivating hidden corners. These quiet resting spots invite visitors to pause, take in sweeping views, and discover stories of the land’s past and future. The self-guided route weaves together tales of war and peace, tradition and renewal, creating a unique journey through this remarkable corner of wine country.
Info: https://static1.squarespace.com/
The trail: https://www.ribolladioslavia.it/il-percorso