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Wine cellar Sutor,
Podraga: (cca. 1,5 hour)
We will start our trip at the Sutor wine cellar located in the small village named Podraga. The farm fits in the architecture of Podraga village, which is typical of Primorska region: narrow streets, stonewalls, small windows with frames, stones on the roofs.
The cellars on the farm were built in the end of the 19th
century; the room from 1933 has been rearranged into a degustatory
room, a place for gathering. The vineyards stretch on the extreme
end of the Vipava Valley. They grow Chardonnay, Rebula, White
Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Malvasia and Sauvignon, all nature
friendly and using old methods.
They bottle Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Merlot and a wine called
Burja.
Guided visits in Vipava: (cca. 2 hours)
After the wine tasting at the Sutor
wine cellar we will go to Vipava. Vipava lays in the upper part of
the sunny Vipava Valley, next to numerous springs of the
Vipava River - the only one in Europe boasting a
delta spring. And where there is water, there are also bridges. In
Vipava, there are altogether 25 bridges.
We will start our tour around Vipava at the main square. Here we
can admire a very picturesque Lanthieri mansion,
which were built in the middle of the 17th century. Its exterior is
decorated with beautiful stuccos. The manor house is said to have
been built in 1669 and it is a typical example of Venetian
architecture. Primarily, it was more modest.
Only 100 meters away from the main square we can find two main
springs of the river Vipava named Podfarovž and Podskala.
After that we will go to the Church of St Stephen, which is
an important historical monument. The Gothic Church of St. Stephen,
which was later baroquised, lies in the embrace of the Primorje
region houses and was built in 1556.
We will end our trip around Vipava at the cemetery, where we will se two egyptian sarkophags. These two precious sarcophagi were discovered in the tombs of courtiers at the feet of the famous pyramids in Giza. They belong into a group of six similarly designed granite sarcophagi the exterior of which depict facade of Old Egyptian buildings.
Lunch at excursion farm Majerija, Slap: (cca. 2
hours)
Majerija is a typical Vipava household. In the 18th century it was
the house of the counts Lanthieri for their estates at Slap.
Nowdays the household has been renovated and so it reflects the
times of its blooming – from the beginning to the middle of
the 19th century.
In the Majerija household you can find beside the family home also space for guests that are searching for peaceful, authentic and wonderful country environments and simple traditional cuisine. Their offer is very various and delicious; in the spring and summer time it reflects Mediterranean couise but during the autumn and wintertime they offer Austro – Hungarian cuisine. The most important ingredients that make their food unique are fresh herbs that are being grown at their back yard.
Guided visit mansion Zemono, Zemono:
(cca. 1 hour)
Vipava lord Francesko Antonio Lanthieri built it in 1683. The year
1683 is carved into arcaded hall. Francesko was a great lover of
art (a bit before Belvedere, he built a manor house in Vipava) and
even a greater entrepreneur (among other things, he founded a paper
factory and a spinning-mill in 1651, in
Ajdovščina).
A counts’ wine cellar first stood on the hill Belvedere. When
a new building was added, they started using it as a summer and
hunting mansion and Vipava’s manor house.
Cejkotova household, Goče:
(cca. 2
hours)
The Cejkotova Farm is located in Goče, a small village in the
Upper Vipava Valley. The farm is hidden in the narrow streets of
the village, which is protected as a monument of the cultural
heritage.
In Davorin Mesesnel's wine cellar, you can try: Ribolla, Pinela,
Malvsia and Cabernet Sauvignon. The specialty of their offer is
sparkling wine.
Accommodation facilities:
- Tourist farm 'Na hribu':
The Na Hribu farm lies on the eastern edge of the Vipava valley hills in the settlement called Slap. There are fewer than 400 inhabitants in the village, ensuring that guests at Na Hribu will have a peaceful stay.
The Žorž family are more than happy to spend time with their guests, sharing with them the traditions of the Vipava region and teaching them all about the medicinal herbs that grow in the surrounding area. Their hospitality doesn't stop there however, as you will surely agree once you have tasted their wonderful food.
Try the traditional jota (a dish comprising sauerkraut, smoked ham and beans), herb omelettes, homemade pršut (prosciutto), salamis, pancetta, rabbit stew, roast pork, and pickled cucumber or mushroom side dishes.
You will drink homemade red wines (Merlot, Barbera, Cabernet-Sauvignon) and white wines (Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Zelen, Laški Rizling).
Two kilometres away, Vipava offers a modern wine cellar and the old Lanthieri castle. Štanjel, a typical medieval karst village built from local stone and encircled by a wall, is only 12 kilometres from Slap. Guests can climb on Mount Nanos and bicycle in the Vipava Valley. The sky is often full of hang gliders in the Summer.
Open on Saturdays and Sundays all the year
No. of beds: 17
No. of rooms: 7
seating: 80
Contact:
Turistic farm Na hribu, Slap 93, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 364 57 08, Fax. +386 5 368 51 99, Cell phone: +386 31 724 810
e-mail: petrazorz@volja.net, web-site: http://www.nahribu-zorz.veha.net
- Tourist farm Birsa:
The village of Brje, where the Birsa excursion farm is located, has a strong winegrowing tradition, which the farm maintains. Located on a rise at the end of the village, it has a lovely view of vine-covered hills and the St. Martin church. The Birsa family produces not only some of the finest wines of the region but Mrs. Birsa also prepares so many culinary delicacies that a short visit is simply out of the question.
The farm is known for its vegetable side dishes such as spinach "štruklji", vegetable spreads with herbs, cottage cheese, horseradish, roast pork and a wide variety of home-baked bread. The surroundings of the farm give ample opportunities for pleasant outings to places such as the medieval village of Štanjel, Sv. Kriz, Branik Castle and the recreational airport in Ajdovščina, as well as nature walks.
Staying at home can also be fun as you watch how much pršut (ham) is prepared, taste the wines in the cellar or, in the evening relax, listen to Mrs. Birsa play the guitar and sing.
Seating: 100
Open all the year (closed in August)
No. of beds: 10
No. of rooms: 2
Two bed rooms: 2
No. of apartments: 2
Contact:
Turistic farm Birsa, Brje 18/a, 5263 Dobravlje
Tel. no. +386 5 368 81 13, Cell phone: +386 31 742 437
e-mail: info@kmetijabirsa.com, web-site: http://www.kmetijabirsa.com - Tourist farm Arkade:
The typical Vipava Valley house of the Cigoj family, with its sleek white arches and stone portal built in 1811, is the oldest in the village of Črniče.
True to the age of the house, the Cigojs delight in serving their guests traditional, almost forgotten Primorska dishes such as pork filet stuffed with pršut (prosciutto) and wrapped in grape leaves, rabbit with polenta, fried salami in wine sauce, and a variety of Vipava štruklji, strudels, dumplings, all accompanied by their award-winning wines. Many of the sights in the area such as the Tabor archaeological site, the old Huhov mill, an Austrian cemetery and the reservoir are only a short walk away through the typical karst landscape.
The Postojna and Škocjan caves, the Lipica stud farm and the medieval town of Štanjel are all within an easy driving distance, as are the Soča River and the pilgrimage site of Sveta Gora with its breathtaking view. Guests can also participate in grape picking or winemaking and stay overnight in the newly refurbished guestrooms.
Contact:
Turistic farm Arkade, Črniče 91, 5262 Črniče
Tel. no. +386 5 366 60 09, +386 5 364 47 70, Fax. +386 5 364 47 80,
e-mail: petrazorz@volja.net, web-site: http://www.nahribu-zorz.veha.net
Restaurants and taverns
- Restaurant Podfarovž:
Restaurant Podfarovž is located only 150 m from the main square in Vipava at the vicinity of the spring of river Vipava.
They offer home-made slovene dishes, fish dishes and seafruits, freshwater fish, vegetarian dishes.
Particularity : Vipavska jota (a dish comprising sauerkraut, smoked ham and beans), Zlikrofi (filled pasta), fresh trout with almonds, Nanos steak.
Contact:
Restaurant Podfarovž, Ulica Ivana Ščeka 2, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 366 52 17, +386 5 36 63 178, Cell phone: +386 40 260 462,
e-mail: podfarovz@email.si, web-site: http://www.podfarovz.si/gostilna.htm
- Restaurant Podskala:
The Podskala Restaurant enjoys a wonderful natural setting beside the spring of the Vipava river only a hundred meters from the old city core and offers delicious food. Among other items, they prepare fresh sea and river fish, venison, traditional Vipava and Kras region dishes, homemade bread and sweets. They also offer wine tasting in the Lanthierjev hram natural karst cave.
Podskala restaurant offers home-made slovene dishes, venison dishes, fish dishes and seafruits, freshwater fish, vegetarian dishes and grilled dishes.
Contact:
Restaurant Podskala, Glavni trg 9/b, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 366 53 57, Fax. +386 5 301 77 81 Cell phone: +386 41 489 636,
e-mail: podskala@volja.net, web-site: http://users.volja.net/podskala/
- Restaurant Vipavski hram:
The people of Vipava are proud of their wines, and Vipavski hram is their temple. On the one hand, it is devoted to storing wines, and on the other, to meetings, philosophizing, conversation, and pleasant socializing.
A wine expert will take you through the cellar and explain wine production. Along with tasting the high quality Vipava wines, in the restaurant they will serve you local culinary specialties such as Vipava jota, Nanos cheese, pršut (prosciutto), and other dishes.
Restaurant Vipavski hram offers home-made slovene dishes, venison dishes, fish dishes and seafruits, freshwater fish, vegetarian dishes.
Contact:
Restaurant Vipavski hram, Vinarska cesta 5, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 367 12 45, Fax. +386 5 367 12 44, Cell phone: +386 31 817 843,
e-mail: info@vipava1894.si, web-site: http://www.vipava1894.si - Restaurant »Pri Lojzetu«:
The Pri Lojzetu Inn in Dorenberk transmitted its one hundred years of tradition to this mansion once owned by the Lanthieri earls and enriched it with acknowledged culinary art. There, the first SLOWFOOD association in Slovenia was born.
The restaurant has received many Slovene as well as foreign honours and awards, among them the Ordre de Saint Fortunat award, received by the hostess Katja Kavčič, and the title Vinski vojvoda (Wine Duke) given to young Tomaž Kavčič.
Contact:
Restaurant Pri Lojzetu, mansion Zemono, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 368 70 07, Fax. +386 5 366 54 40, Cell phone: +386 41 455 555,
e-mail: tomaz.kavcic@s5.net, web-site: http://www.prilojzetu.com/ - Excursion farm Majerija:
Majerija is a typical Vipava household. In the 18 th century it was the house of the counts Lanthieri for their estates at Slap.
Nowdays the household has been renovated and so it reflects the times of its blooming – from the beginning to the middle of the 19 th century.
In the Majerija household you can find beside the family home also space for guests that are searching for peace, authentic and wonderful country envirnoment and simple traditional cuisine with the touch of the sodobno.
Their offer is very various and delicious; in the spring and summer time it reflects mediterranian couise but durring the autumn and winter time they offer Austro – Hungarian cuisine.
The most important ingredientes that make their food unique are fresh herbs, that are being grown at the back yard.
Contact:
Excursion farm Majerija, Slap 18, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 368 50 10, Fax. +386 5 368 50 11, Cell phone: +386 41 405 903,
e-mail: info@majerija.si, web-site: http://www.prilojzetu.com/
Wine cellars / Wine producers
- Krapež wine cellar, Vrhpolje:
The Krapež wines is located in a pleasant, Primorje region village, Vrhpolje, which lies between grey Mt. Kovk and magnificent Mt. Nanos. Sea, which once touched this area, left rich layers of marl, which now form a good soil for winegrowing. They grow white and red sorts: White Pinot, Zelen, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling Italico, High-quality white, Barbera, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. The specialty in their offer is Zelen and Red barrique.
Advance notice is desired. The household is included in the project Vipava wine road.
Contact:
Martin Krapež, Vrhpolje 95, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 368 71 10, Cell phone: +386 40 219 500,
e-mail: vina.krapez@siol.net - Rondič wine cellar, Slap:
In their wine cellar you can try the following wine sorts: Ribolla, Malvasia, White pinot, Sauvignon, Yellow muscat , Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon.
You are invited to visit the wine cellar and take part in a guided wine tasting (max 60 guests).
Advance notice is desired. The household is included in the project Vipava wine road.
Contact:
Peter & Rajko Rondič, Slap 48, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 364 57 51, Cell phone: +386 41 653 595,
e-mail: janjarondic@volja.net - Žorž wine cellar, Slap:
At Žorž's in Slap, they adhere to very traditional winegrowing and winemaking traditions. At the same time they constantly strive to improve the quality of their wines by learning and experimenting, using improvements in winemaking and winegrowing technology where appropriate.
They sell wine bulk or bottled. They grow Merlot, Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ribolla, Malvsia, Barbera as well as Zelen and Pinela, indigenous sorts to the Vipava Valley. A group of a maximum of 50 people can visit their wine-cellar for guided wine tasting. Advance notice is desired. The household is included in the project Vipava wine road.
Contact:
Jurij Žorž, Slap 13, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 364 57 35, Cell phone: +386 41 698 556,
e-mail: vino.zorz.slap.13@siol.net, jurijz.@kvz-ng.si - Pregeljc wine cellar,
Slap:
The Pregeljc family is located in Slap at Vipava. Their main activity is winegrowing: they offer bulk as well as bottled wines. They organise visitations of their wine cellar and guided wine-tasting.
White wines: Rebula, Pinela, Zelen, Malvazija, Laški rizling, Sauvignon, Rumeni muškat. Red wines: Merlot, Barbera.
Contact
Igor Pregeljc, Slap 52, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 364 57 34, Cell phone: +386 41 843 441,
e-mail: pregeljc52@volja.net - Na rovni wine cellar, Slap:
The farm Na rouni invites you to visit them in a nice village, Slap, at Vipava. One of their main activities is wine growing. They offer bunk and bottled wines.
In their vineyards they grow the following sorts: Riesling Italico, Zelen, Pinela, Chardonnay, Ribolla, Malvasia, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Contact:
Pavlo Žorž, Slap 15, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 364 57 83, Cell phone: +386 41 551 105,
e-mail: pzorz@volja.net - Benčina wine cellar, Lože:
The Farm Benčina is situated in Lože, a village in the Upper Vipava Valley. The pleasant village is worth visiting. When there, a visitor immediately notices that all the main activities in the village are connected to winegrowing. Numerous honours and awards, received by the master Dušan Benčin for his wines, show that he is an excellent winemaker.
In their wine cellar, you can try different wine sorts: Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Ribolla, Pinela, Riesling Italico, Blue Pinot, Benčič's red, Cabernet, etc. Guided wine tasting for groups (max 50 people).
Contact:
Dušan Benčina, Lože 18, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 364 55 95, Cell phone: +386 41 650 662,
e-mail: markobencina3@gmail.com , web-site: http://www.vina-bencina.com/ - Cejkotova household, Goče:
The Cejkotova Farm is located in Goče, a small village in the Upper Vipava Valley. The farm is hidden in the narrow streets of the village, which is protected as a monument of the cultural heritage.
In Davorin Mesesnel's wine-cellar, you can try: Ribolla, Pinela, Malvsia and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The specialty of their offer is sparkling wine. You are invited to wine tasting.
Advance notice is desired. The household is included in the project Vipava wine road.
Contact:
Davorin Mesesnel, Goče 44, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 364 55 22, Cell phone: +386 31 398 496 - Furlan wine cellar, Goče:
The Furlan Family is located in Goče, a culturally protected village. Their central and main activity is viticulture and viniculture.
In an arched wine cellar, which is approximately 350 years old, they will offer you, during professionally guided wine tsting, the following wines: Barbera, Merlot, Ribolla, Tokaj, Malvasia, Pinot and Pinela.
Advance notice is desired. The household is included in the project Vipava wine road.
Contact:
Jože Furlan, Goče 20, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 364 55 39 - Sutor wine cellar, Podraga:
The farm fits in the architecture of Podraga village, which is typical of Primorska region: narrow streets, stone walls, small windows with frames, stones on the roofs.
The cellars on the farm were built in the end of the 19th century; the room from 1933 has been rearranged into a degustatory room, a place for gathering.
The vineyards stretch on the extreme end of the Vipava Valley. They grow Chardonnay, Rebula, White Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Malvasia and Sauvignon, all nature friendly and using old methods.
They bottle Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Merlot and a wine called Burja (Rebula, Malvasia, White Riesling).
The farm is included in the project Vipava wine road.
Contact:
Family Lavrenčič, Podraga 30 - 31, 5272 Podnanos
Tel. no. +386 5 366 93 67, Fax: +386 5 368 61 66 Cell phone: +386 41 363 272,
e-mail: info@sutorvino.si, web-site: http://www.sutor.si - 'Pasji rep' Premrn wine cellar,
Orehovica:
Orehovica is famous for its many old and well preserved farms with wine cellars – hrami. The Franc Premrn Family is one of such farms. Their wine-cellar can accomodate up to 20 people. They can also show you their vineyards that are lieing on the unwindy and less visible southeast side. The Pasji rep valley, named after the stream that flows through it, has very fertile soil. It is a popular walking spot.
Contact:
Franc Premrn, Orehovica 11a, 5272 Podnanos
Tel. no. +386 5 366 91 19, +386 5 366 22 42
e-mail: franc.premrn@petrol.si - 'Osmica' (ivy branch) Avin, Gradišče at
Vipava:
'Osmica' open from: 1.12 - 10.12 2006
Each year, they organise the traditional Vipava osmica (an 8 day long event in small villages, where installed restaurants sell wine and food) twice: in the pre- Easter and pre Christmas time. In that time, they offer, besides a wide range of wines, domestic meat products, štruklji (sweet dish, boiled pastry roll with walnut filling) in strudels.
Contact:
Franc Andlovic, Gradišče 39, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 366 53 45, Cell phone: +386 41 708 087
e-mail: franc.premrn@petrol.si - 'Osmica' (ivy branch) Ferjančič,
Gradišče at Vipava:
'Osmica' open from: 10.11. - 20.11. 2006
The farm Ferjančič is located in Gradišče at Vipava, from where you get a beutiful view of the valley. Have a look round and visit the farm Ferjančič, where you can degustate different sorts of wine: Pinela, Ribolla, Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. They offer bulk as well as bottled wines. You are invited to guided wine tasting. Advance notice is desired. For visitation and extra information, they are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays without booking. For other days, you can phone to pre-book.
Contact:
Family Ferjančič, Gradišče 11/a, 5271 Vipava
Tel. no. +386 5 368 52 83, Cell phone: +386 31 892 585
e-mail: druzina.ferjancic@siol.net
Local typical tourism attractions
- Vipava wine road, Vipava valley:
The Vipava valley is a valley of sun, wind and wine. This delightful corner of South-West Slovenia is a highly varied geographical area. Not surprisingly its climate mirrors its varied terrain with a unique blend of mild Mediterranean and continental Alpine temperatures that produce some very special grapes.
Viticulture is the main agricultural sector in this fertile valley (60%) and vines cover over 3000 acres of its total area (350 km²). The small, family-based vineyards are mainly concentrated on terraces in the higher areas where the excellent soil allows both white and red varieties to be cultivated.
Wine making was originally introduced to the Vipava valley over two thousand years ago by the Romans. Wine-making is regarded as a way of life here. Just as it was in 1689, when the famous Slovenian author and historian, Janez Vajkard Valvasor, published his classic description of the area, "The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola". In his book Valvasor claimed that the Vipava valley produced more wine than bread! Vipava even included a vine on its coat of arms!
In the Middle Ages the Vipava wines were particularly popular with the court in Vienna. Quality and dedication have always been the key to the superb wines produced here and local wine makers have always understood the need for research and new techniques. Not surprisingly the first book on wine cultivation was published here by Matija Vertovec and this is where the first agricultural school was established as well as the first wine association over a hundred years ago.
The unique climate in the Vipava Valley produces a host of classic whites, including Rebula, Sauvignon, Malvazija, Laški Rizling and Chardonnay and a wide variety of splendid reds, such as Merlot, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Modri Pinot. However, what makes this area particularly special are its rare, autochthonous wines. Thanks to the perseverance of local producers and the adoption of modern production methods, many rare and ancient grape varieties have been re-established. This is the home of the exquisite Zelen and Pinela grapes. Two other very old and rare specialties are Klarnica and the unforgettable dessert wine Pikolit, which with its intense peach aroma and aromatic bouquet is a rare treasure for any palate.
The Vipava wine road is marked with brown directing boards and the individual households also have special boards with their names on the walls.
It is advisable to make your appointment before your visit.
You can find more about individual offerers and wine sorts they offer here and also on the web-page: http://www.ra-rod.si/vvc/ Sport and recreation on the plateau Nanos, Nanos:
Nanos is an independent mountain chain, which extends over 65 square kilometres and presents more than one half of the territory of the Vipava municipality. At 1313 metres Suhi vrh is its highest peak.
Nanos is made of lime stone and its surface is very diverse. One can find typical karst features, dales, sinkholes, chasms and caves. Ice caves, called glaciers, are a well known type of Karst caves found on Nanos.
Where limestone and flysch meet, there are large or small springs. Nanos is thus a real reservoir of quality drinking water. Numerous tidy mountainous and other pathways wind up the slope. Since Nanos is interwoven with a grid of forest roads, it has a great potential to develop cycling.
Not just trekkers and cyclists, also sports climbers can enjoy themselves there. Nanos offers popular climbing spots on its steep slope (Bela, Gradiška tura …) and the forests of Nanos give us shade on hot summer days.
Cultural and historical buildings:
- Mansion Zemono, Zemono: In the northwest of
Vipava, the village Zemono is located. Above it, on a 139 metre
high rising, the Manor house Zemono (Belvedere) is located. The
building, which is set among vineyards, can be seen for miles
around.
It was built by Vipava lord Francesko Antonio Lanthieri in 1683. The year 1683 is carved into arcaded hall. Francesko was a great lover of art (a bit before Belvedere, he built a manor house in Vipava) and even a greater entrepreneur (among other things, he founded a paper factory and a spinning-mill in 1651, in Ajdovščina). A counts’ wine cellar first stood on the hill Belvedere. When a new building was added, they started using it as a summer and hunting mansion and Vipava’s manor house.
The building, built in the Palladian style, which is rarely found in Slovenia, was designed by an unknown, Italian architect. The late Renaissance mansion in Venetian style has a rectangular ground plan. The exterior is encircled with beautifully shaped stone arcades, above which the central part of the mansion, the ground plan of which is a Greek cross, rises. Almost all the rooms are decorated with significant, Baroque frescoes, depicting secular, allegorical (the elements fire, air and water are presented) and fantastic motifs.
After the World War II, the family Pregelj lived in the neglected and declining mansion. The building was used as a warehouse too. Lipa, a factory in Ajdovščina, started the mansion renovation work, which was planned by professor Tone Bitenc, a student of Plečnik. In the renovated building, surrounded by a park and vineyards, there are a wedding hall and a restaurant (a former mansion kitchen) on the ground floor. The frescoes that decorate the walls of the mansion are a rarity since they depict, unlike most of the frescoes, secular subjects. As one of the rare, Vipava cultural monuments, Zemono is hospitably open to visitors.
On the ground floor, there is a renovated main hall, which is all embellished with frescos. Concerts, exhibitions and weddings occasionally take place there. Church of St. Stephen, Vipava:
Vipava is one of the oldest parishes in the Gorica region. The Church of St. Stephen is an important historical monument. The Gothic Church of St. Stephen, which was later baroquised, lies in the embrace of the Primorje region houses and was built in 1556.
The Gothic church was baroquised in 1751. The Baroque painter Franc Jelovšek decorated its interior with frescoes. The master Janez Wolf painted the whole lower part of the presbytery in 1877.
There are several cultural and artistic objects in the church: altar paintings, an altar, a Chappel of St. Barbara, a Baroque cross, etc. On the altar on the north side one can admire a painting of St. Janez Nepomuk, on the altar on the south side images of St. Jospeh's death. Both were painted by Janez Valentin Metzinger.
In the church there is also a pulpit, which is full of intarsias, and a tabernacle, Francesco Robba's work.
Lanthieri manor house, Vipava:
The Lanthieris were eager builders. In Vipava alongside numerous springs of the Vipava River, just beside the old Baumkirchner castle, they constructed a manor house in the middle of the 17th century.
Its exterior is decorated with beautiful stuccos. The manor house is said to have been built in 1669 and it is a typical example of Venetian architecture. Primarily, it was more modest. It got its baroque image in 1762, when the Lanthieris renovated it.- Castle Tabor, Vipava:
In Tabor, there was a prehistoric settlement, which was transformed into a fortress and was used as one till the Middle Ages. Throughout history, it has had numerous owners.
The name Tabor originates from the times of Turks' invasions. In Vipava alongside the main springs of the Vipava River, a towery castle was constructed.
Because there was a danger of Turks' and Venetians' attacks, it was protected by walls. It had a strong defensive position since it stands between the steep slope of Nanos and the Vipava riverbed. Next to one of the towers, there was a drawbridge that was used both as a door as well as a bridge over the riverbed. The castle was protected also by the walls and round defence towers. Two of them are still preserved. Old castle, Vipava:
On the steep hill just above Vipava, there are picturesque ruins. A few examples of Mediterranean Evergreen Oak grow on the slope. The largest of them has the diameter of 55 cm. The castle, most probably built in the 12th century, was first mentioned in 1275 as The Upper Castle. At that time, it was in the possession of the Patriarch of Aquilea. As a feudal estate, the castle changed hands very often. In 1344, its owners were the Habsburgs, in 1487 the Herberstein family.
For a short period in the first half of the 16th century, Venetians occupied it, but the Habsburgs soon drove them away. After 1577, it belonged to the Lanthieris, who stopped using it in the 17th century and since then it has been falling apart.
Today, it is a popular walking spot for local people and other visitors, because you get a beautiful view of the whole Upper Vipava valley. Walking from Vipava to the castle takes approximately 30 minutes.The Egyptian sarkophags, Vipava:
Anton Lavrin (1789 - 1869) was Consul General, researcher and Egyptologist. He sent two excellent sarcophagi, made of red Asuan granite, to Vipava.
These two precious sarcophagi were discovered in the tombs of courtiers at the feet of the famous pyramids in Giza. They belong into a group of six similarly designed granite sarcophagi the exterior of which depict facade of Old Egyptian buildings.
Today, they hold the remains of Lavrin's father Jernej, his mother Jožefa and his son Albert. The sarcophagi can be seen at the Vipava cemetery.- Castle Lože (Leitenburg), Lože:
On a small rising above Lože at Vipava, Counts Arco are said to have built the supposedly 4 towered castle Lože(Leitenburg), which was ruled by Knights Leitenburg. A medieval castle, which was completely rebuilt by Counts Rabatta at the beginning of the 17th century, might have actually stood there. Its present appearance originates from that period. It was built in Baroque style. It has a playful ground plan with two rectangular corner towers by the principal facade, in front of which there are remains of the once significant park and stairway that led into it. The added auxiliary buildings together with the castle form a large yard.
The castle has been rebuilt several times. The last time it was renovated was around 1900. Evgen Mayer allotted the castle and the estate to the newly founded fruit and wine school after the World War II. When the school was abolished in the 60's, there were apartments, agricultural cooperative's warehouse and Jože Kmetič's inn in the castle. - Goče monument of Slovenian cultural heritage,
Goče:
The settlement of narrow streets located on the viewing ridge of the hill between the Branica and Vipava valleys is a monument of Slovenian cultural heritage.
Goče was first mentioned already in the 14th century. The houses have thick walls made of stone with small openings for windows. If one ascends the nearby Obelunec with the church of the Mary of the Snow (Marija Snežna) one can see from the top of the hill that the buildings are located by two main streets which cross in the shape of Andrew's cross.
In the centre of the settlement on a plateau lies the famous church of St. Andrew from the 17th century. By the path that connects the church with the cemetery there are four stone shrines and in the niches are the relief depictions of the Stations of the Cross. The village cemetery boasts an extremely beautiful entrance and the Holy Sepulchre.
The important symbols of the village which are closely connected with its prosperity are grapevines, wine, and wine cellars.
Goče is located between Vipava and Štanjel, it lies less than 8 km from Štanjel and is an easily accessible village.
Information about local tourism attraction:
Tourist information center (TIC) Vipava, Glavni trg 1, 5271 Vipava
Tel. +386 5 368 70 41, +386 5 368 70 41 Fax. +386 5 368 70 41
e-mail: tic.vipava@siol.net , web-site: www.vipavska-dolina.si
Transport facilities
- International airport Brnik (cca. 100 km away
from Vipava):
http://www.lju-airport.si/eng/default.asp
- Bus station Ljubljana (cca. 80 km away from
Vipava):
http://www.ap-ljubljana.si/eng/
- Travel agency Tarol d.o.o. , (rent – a
– car):
Tel: +386 5 368 14 10, +386 5 368 14 11
Cell phone: +386 41 740 770
e-mail: tarol@siol.net - Topič Zoran s.p., (taxi services):
Tel: +386 40 454 337 - Taxi in, Aleš Furlan s.p., (taxi
services):
Tel: +386 31 319 137
e-mail: furlan3@volja.net - KO-BO, Kotnik Bojan s.p., (taxi services):
Tel. +386 41 590 222
Tourist Information Center Vipava
TIC VIPAVA offers information on natural and cultural heritage of the region, booking accommodation, various happenings and events, offer of home made products as well as products typical of the region, the Vipava Wine road offer. We organise trips for groups. We offer guided tours in english, german, italian and slovenian language.
We provide internet access, brochures on the offer of Vipava and its countryside as well as other destinations in Slovenia. We strive to make visiting of the Vipava Valley as pleasant as possible for visitors of our informtion centre and our region.
Turist informaton center (TIC) Vipava, Glavni trg 1, 5271
Vipava
Tel. +386 5 368 70 41, +386 5 368 70 41 Fax. +386 5 368 70 41
e-mail: tic.vipava@siol.net , web-site:
www.vipavska-dolina.si