Why visit Štanjel

The Štanjel Castle Museum

Visit the “nature and man in the karst” interactive exhibition

For almost a millennium, Štanjel Castle has been whispering stories of the people who were able to control the nearby valleys from their terraced karst settlement. An interactive exhibition at the Štanjel Castle Museum brings together nature and man in the Karst. The Štanjel Castle Wine Shop opens the door to the flavours of the Karst with the most extensive collection of Karst wines from Slovenia and Italy, accompanied by Karst dry-cured meats and cheeses.

Purchase an interactive experience and tour of the castle

Stories and wine through history

Take a guided walk through the history of Štanjel.

In the Štanjel Castle Wine Shop, learn about the tradition and culture of the Karst with a glass of premium wine. The stone walls of Karst houses whisper secrets that only the locals know. Our guides will lead you through the narrow medieval streets and houses to the Ferrari Garden – the terrace of Štanjel. In between, history unfolds from the ancient Stone Age to the present day. On top of Gledanica Hill, enjoy a spectacular view of the Karst and the Vipava Valley.

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The Ferrari garden – A family portrait

Meet the famous Ferrari family and their garden.

The Ferrari Garden is a magnificent terrace of Štanjel, designed in the 20th century as part of Villa Ferrari by the world-famous urban planner and architect Maks Fabiani, a European of the Karst and one of the greatest innovators in 20th-century urban planning and architecture. Our guides at the tea party will outline the lifestyle of the Ferrari family who belonged to three cultures. Together, we will enjoy ourselves in a completely self-sustaining estate, masterfully designed by Fabiani.

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Tell-tale remnants of millennia past

Feel the culture of different civilisations.

Every stone in the village of Štanjel tells its own tale. The hill was already settled in prehistoric times, the Roman era is still visible in the remains of buildings and tombstones, the mighty castle and compact village reveal stories of medieval life, while Fabiani's architectural masterpieces from the last century are a story in themselves …

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A legendary view and a stunning outlook

Savour the beauty.

Štanjel first enchants its visitors with a unique view of a compact village caught within defensive walls, and an eye-catching castle that adorns the central karst hill like a valuable necklace. Give in to the invitation and you will be rewarded time and again. With breath-taking and boundless views of the surrounding landscape from the hilltop, from the lookout tower, from the platform of the village church, from a beautiful garden …

Discover magical spots

The unique Ferrari Garden

Move around within a dream.

Maks Fabiani, the architectural innovator who breathed new life into Štanjel with his masterpieces, also created a mesmerising garden on the edge of the village. Here one can find everything: there’s water, a place to rest, pergolas and irises, stunning views…. And the feeling that you are moving around within an artist's dream.

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Plenty of art galleries

Enter a house of culture.

Štanjel has for many years been an inspiration for artists and today it offers a home to their works of art. The Lojze Spacal Gallery operates in the Štanjel Castle and displays a permanent collection of artworks of this globally recognised artist, while also hosting many other exhibitions. Several small galleries are arranged in renovated village houses, giving Štanjel a special flavour …

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Local cuisine

Taste the genuine Karst.

Štanjel is imbued with the fragrances of the Karst, its wild nature and carefully grown spices. The aroma is particularly inviting in any of the local restaurants, where the modern Karst cuisine mingles with the old tradition to create magical gastronomic feasts out of local seasonal ingredients. According to the Karst tradition, prosciutto and Teran wine are the first to be put on the table ...

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The people

Meet the locals.

Štanjel is quite a lively settlement. At every step, you can enjoy a chat with a villager who will embrace you with a smile and perhaps tell you a story, show you the right direction down the narrow streets and impress you with their openness. Take your time. Get better acquainted with genuine Karst hospitality …

Listen to authentic stories

A starting point for exploring

Get to know the Karst and its neighbours better.

Whichever direction you take, there is an interesting path leading out of Štanjel towards new places to be explored, into nature and to the unique features of the Karst, the Vipava Valley and the nearby Italian regions. Everywhere you go, whether in the old villages, karst caves or on hilltops providing splendid views, you are certain to discover the characteristic rural tranquillity ...

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