Gorizia Castle – between medieval history and legend

History and description

First mentioned as the seat of the counts around the mid‑1100s, Gorizia Castle became the political and military center of the autonomous county until 1500, when, after the death of the last count, it passed into the hands of the Habsburgs, who turned it into a military fortress—a role it maintained even during World War I. Later, it underwent restoration in an attempt to return it to its original medieval style. The complex includes a central structure surrounded by defensive walls, numerous halls, prisons, a keep, and inner courtyards, all overlooking a breathtaking panorama. Inside, the Museum of Medieval Gorizia allows visitors to reconstruct daily life of the time.

Curiosities

In addition to hosting annual medieval reenactments, the castle is notable for its dual Italian and Austrian identity and for the legends tied to it—some visitors claim to have sensed the ghosts of prisoners once confined in its underground cells.

Access

Open daily except Mondays, the fortress can be visited at the cost of €8, with some free entries and specific reductions available.

How to reach it

The castle can be reached from Gorizia by bus from the station or on foot from Piazza della Vittoria. From Trieste, it is accessible by car via the A4 motorway or by train to Gorizia Centrale.

A central monument in any itinerary through Gorizia, the castle offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in medieval life, discovering the customs of the aristocracy and the legends that surrounded them.

Photo credits: Limonadis (Wikipedia) - Licensed by public domain