Cycling itinerary in the first European Cross-border Capital of Culture 2025 between Gorizia and Nova Gorica.
This route features ancient Gorizia and Nova Gorica (Slovenia), which arose after World War II when the Allies drew a new border between Italy and the then Yugoslavia. During the ride, you pass attractions such as the cathedral, the castle of Gorizia, and the Fashion and Great War museums, Piazza Vittoria with the Church of Saint Ignatius, Attems-Petzenstein Palace, and Coronini Cromberg Palace. You cycle along a stretch of the border where there are two small museums full of curiosities: the pass museum and the smuggling museum. You climb a section next to the Rafut villa park and reach the Franciscan monastery of Castagnevizza in Slovenia. Continuing, you reach the center of Nova Gorica, designed following the examples of modern cities designed by Le Corbusier, and remember the history through the monuments. You return to Gorizia passing through the historic Transalpina train station.
The attractions of the two cities and the surroundings require a stay of at least two days.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
The route follows paved roads with limited urban traffic, urban cycle paths, and pedestrian areas accessible to bicycles; short sections on busy roads (8 Agosto bridge)
The route is quite easy, suitable for people with good cycling skills. It can be done with any type of bike provided it has at least 24 gears or is an electric bike.
From Gorizia central station, you cycle along Corso Italia towards the historic center. Along the route, with a short detour, you can reach the castle of Gorizia. You cross Piazza Vittoria, the Bombi gallery, and reach the Rafut pass. You continue to the Castagnevizza monastery, reach the center of Nova Gorica, and then return to Gorizia crossing the Transalpina station. Finally, you cycle along the Isonzo river, crossing it on the Straccis cycling and pedestrian bridge. You cross the river again on the 8 Agosto bridge and arrive back at the station where the route started.
Public-transport-friendly
- Regional trains (Trenitalia) can transport bicycles along the Trieste - Udine - Venice route.
- In summer, the BiciBus service is active, a bus towing a closed trailer for 40 bicycles: from Cormons to Grado with stops in Gorizia, Gradisca d'Isonzo, Redipuglia, and Monfalcone.
Highway A4 Turin - Trieste - Villesse exit
Highway A34 Villesse - Gorizia - Gorizia exit
In Gorizia near the railway station or on Viale Virgilio.
A helmet and a water supply are recommended, especially in the warmer months.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.