Gorizia

Description

Gorizia is a town and comune in northeastern Italy, in the autonomous region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. It is located at the foot of the Julian Alps, bordering Slovenia. It is the capital of the Province of Gorizia and a local center of tourism, industry, and commerce. Since 1947, a twin town of Nova Gorica has developed on the other side of the modern day Italian–Slovenian border. Gorizia is located at the confluence of the Isonzo and Vipava Valleys. It lies on a plain overlooked by the Gorizia Hills. Sheltered from the north by a mountain ridge, Gorizia is protected from the cold Bora wind that affects most of the neighbouring areas. The town thus enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate throughout the year, making it a popular resort. The name of the town comes from the Slovene word gorica meaning ``little hill``, which is a very common toponym in Slovene inhabited areas. Although the majority of the population identifies with the Italian culture, Gorizia is an important center of Friulian and Slovene culture. Nowadays, Gorizia hosts several important scientific and educational institutions.