Why visit Štanjel

Perhaps this beautiful, riveting view gives an impression that this is the most Štanjel has to offer. How misleading! There’s so much more than meets the eye. It is worth completely surrendering to this Karst gem, exploring its alleys and special nooks, while enjoying original stories, unique colours, authentic fragrances and that special light of the Karst panoramic views...

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 …

Get to know some interesting facts

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.

Get to know the masterpiece better

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 …

Enter

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 ...

Explore some tasting opportunities

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 ...

Find a place to stay in Štanjel

Special stories

Štanjel is a place of countless unique stories that enrich the experience of this one-of-a-kind medieval settlement. Get to know the architect Maks Fabiani and his works better, discover why flower wreaths hang on the front door of every house in the old village and much more.

The Great War

Maks Fabiani

St John wreaths