Gorizia and Nova Gorica United in Eight Routes and the Gorizian Camino

Seven of the routes are designed for walking between the railway stations in Gorizia and Nova Gorica, allowing visitors to experience the unity of these two cities, despite the state border that divides them. The eighth route is a 27-kilometre cycling tour that winds through Solkan, Pevma, Podgora, Ločnik, Štandrež, Šempeter and Rožna Dolina. As visitors traverse these paths, they will encounter not only differences in architecture and urban design but also discover the region’s rich cultural and historical diversity.

Among the most captivating trails is the one that begins in the centre of Gorizia, leading past the iconic Gorizia Castle to the Franciscan monastery in Kostanjevica, the final resting place of the Bourbon royal family. Another trail guides visitors through the heart of Nova Gorica, where they can admire landmarks such as the municipal building, the library, the national theatre and Erjavčeva Street, home to monuments of contemporary Slovenian history.

The trails also bring to light the stories of prominent figures such as Lojze Bratuž, a celebrated Slovenian composer and choirmaster, his wife Ljubka Šorli, a poet and educator, and Italian philosopher Carlo Michelstaedter, along with linguist Graziadio Isaia Ascoli. The Koren stream, which runs through the cities, also plays a significant role, offering insights into the historical development of Gorizia.

The Gorizian Camino: A Spiritual and Cultural Journey

A truly special addition to the region’s hiking experiences is the Gorizian Camino, an 82-kilometre pilgrimage trail connecting Aquileia and Sveta Gora. This route symbolically captures three defining phases: roots (Aquileia), wounds (the Karst region, scarred by war and fascism) and resurrection (Sveta Gora). The Gorizian Camino, marked by the distinctive symbol of Solomon’s knot from the mosaics of the Basilica of Aquileia, is now ready to welcome hikers and pilgrims alike.

Created as part of the ECOC 2025 initiative, the Gorizian Camino project is a partnership between the Socoba Foundation and the Franciscans of Sveta Gora, supported by the Interreg Italia-Slovenia programme. In addition to marking the path, the project has produced pilgrim passports, stamps, leaflets and a website. Future plans include the publication of a printed guide and the training of tourist guides to enhance the experience for those exploring this unique and meaningful route.

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