A MUSICAL CASTLE
We’d checked the distance and the castle seemed achievable from our hotel. Well, Lorraine thought she could walk it, though I had my doubts if she’d survive the climb. Along the flats in the middle of town it was easy but then there came the hill and a statue of Carlo Michelstaedter, a radical Italian philosopher of Jewish extraction whose one and only work was conceived as an undergraduate thesis, but he never saw it in print because he committed suicide in 1910, aged 23.
We troll past a shop with exotic foodstuffs and can’t help but notice some bottled Buderim ginger featured in the window. Just below it was another sign on some wrapped lollies “senza zucchero zenzero AUSTRALIA”, which meant I could buy my sugar free dried ginger right here. It’s a small world.
It was slow and overly warm getting up from there but we took it easy and Castello di Gorizia came into view. Dating back to the 11th century it’s clearly the highest point for miles around.
The chapel-sized Church of Santo Spirito seems like a ticket office on the way to the main attraction. In a park on the opposite side of the road there’s a bust of Gabrielle D’Annunzio, a famous and prolific Italian writer and WWI hero who was hugely influential in the Fascist movement, inspiring Mussolini. He was noted for self-promotion.
From the 11th century Gorizia was an independent county until Austria took over in 1500 and it became a major cultural centre. It was only after the fallout from WWI, when it suffered badly, that it came to be in Italian hands. This once castle-of-the-counts has now been done up as a tourist attraction but it holds a surprise, at least for those of us who hadn’t done their homework properly.
The solid walls are much covered in plant life these days and the parapets are quite impressive from below and when you enter through the gateways the cobblestone walkways add an air of authenticity as you climb their steep angle. Only the base is original though. It went through many rebuilds from the 13th to 16th century and was bombed during WWI before being restored for the final time. The restoration is evident in the variance of the colours in the stonework.

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Top Gorizia Hotel Reviews

Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Wellness Resort & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"This resort was beautiful and above our expectations for level 3 room. Amazing views from our balcony. Staff were absoutely amazing with thwir servjce in everythung. This resort was defibately a 5 star rating and well deserved"

Hotel Là di Moret

10/10 Excellent

"Totally accessible hotel. Plus it is chic and convenient. Rooms were great and fully equipped. We had dinner there and it was amazing. Cocktails come with snacks -delicious. Best of all the hotel has a small friendly and well behaved dog! I didn’t use the pool but it looked nice. Apparently “footballers” use this place-I can see why they have a nice gym and spa-can you say massage! Last we were here to see family and it was easy to get on the highways from here. Friendliest staff!"

Urban Homy Gorizia

4/10 Poor

"There is no onsite reception, just a ridiculously complicated online check-in which should remotely open the door. But I couldn't get through the garden gate even. Finally an old lady showed up who did not speak English and I don't speak Italian so we stood around for a good 25 mins before the room door miraculously unlocked. After a very late night I was woken up at 8.30 am by a cleaner who didn't speak English either but indicated I should phone the hotel operators, Everytime I tried, the phone was answered but then put down on me. Someone then phoned the cleaner and I was able to speak with the operators using that connection. They wanted a new card number which I was obliged to give even though I had no idea why the one I had used when I booked was not sufficient. It was a mess from start to finish. "

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Gorizia?

Good weather's always better when you're discovering new places, so here are some stats about the local climate: The hottest months are usually July and August with an average temp of 70°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 40°F. The rainiest months in Gorizia are November, October, September, and May, with each month seeing an average of 8 inches of rainfall.

What is there to see and do in Gorizia?

Depending on how you want to spend your time, you might like to check out some places near Gorizia. Get out into nature with places like Isonzo, Baia di Sistiana, and Riserva Naturale Regionale Foce dell'Isonzo. Cultural attractions include Castle of Gorizia, MuCa - Shipbuilding Museum, and Museo Cristiano. Visit landmarks like Church of St Ignatius of Loyola, Obelisco 4 generali, and Cippo Granatieri di Sardegna.

What's the best way to get to and around Gorizia while staying at a hostel?

Keep this information about transit options in Gorizia in your back pocket to make the most of your stay: You can search for flights to the closest airport, which is Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS), 10.6 mi (17 km) from the city center. When you're out and about, you might want to make use of public transit. If you're looking to check out more of the area, head over to Gorizia Centrale Station to catch a train.

Search Hostels in Gorizia

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Recommended hotels in Gorizia

Hotel Internazionale

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