Bike route Gorizia - Lucinico - Gradisca d'Isonzo (P005)

Gorizia and Gradisca d’Isonzo: fortified castles figure prominently in Friuli's medieval, Renaissance, and 17th-century history of power struggles between the Habsburg empire and the Venetian Republic. Gorizia  became the outpost for heavy interference in the disputes between Guelph and Ghibelline nobility. Gradisca d’Isonzo, a humble village until 1420, became a defensive stronghold of Venice working as an anti-Hapsburg and anti-Turkish stronghold until its conquest by the Empire in 1511: it would remain under Hapsburg rule until 1918. Now Gradisca d’Isonzo is counted among the Borghi più belli d’Italia (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy) for its historic centre that recalls its birth as a Venetian fortress and its subsequent transition to a Habsburg county: a visit to the village that is partially enclosed by the Venetian walls protecting the medieval castle, the numerous palaces and the ancient Spianata grounds, which now have been transformed into a public park, is recommended.

An easy cycle ride between the two towns, accessible to all, and a visit to their many points of interest will provide an insight into the history of these townships but will also give a very interesting perspective on the social, economic, and cultural life of those times. There are no particular cycling difficulties to be faced: we first pedal along the Pedemontana (FVG 3) cycle track and, at Lucinico, we change the route to head into the rich Isonzo countryside where the excellent Doc Isonzo wines are produced, reaching Gradisca d'Isonzo. To get back to Gorizia, you can go to nearby Sagrado to take advantage of the Train+Bike transport service.