Guided Tour: Stara Gora | Castelmonte Sanctuary
Discover a 1000-year pilgrimage sanctuary above Cividale | Čedad
Step into the history of Stara Gora / Castelmonte Sancuary, one of the most important pilgrimage sanctuaries in the region, on a guided visit that reveals its stories, legends, and hidden corners.
Tour highlights:
- visit the sanctuary church and crypt
- discover the Stara Gora manuscript (1492)
- panoramic views over Friuli and the Julian Alps
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.8 rating | small groups | local guide
During the tour, you will explore the sanctuary church, the crypt and chapel, and walk through the restored fortified village. As you explore, your guide will share stories about centuries of pilgrimage, the devotion to the Virgin Mary, and the cultural crossroads between the Slavic and Latin worlds.
You will also learn about the fascinating story of the Stara Gora Sanctuary Manuscript (1492), one of the oldest written monuments of the Slovene language. In addition, your guide will explain the historical importance of this hilltop sanctuary beneath Mount Matajur.
Guided tours are available in Italian or Slovene.
1-55 people
min. age: 0
1 h
Guided tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.8 / 5 (86 reviews)
Mount Stara Gora holds special significance for Slovenians also because of the Stara Gora Manuscript from the year 1492 as one of the oldest monuments of the Slovene language.
— Erika, Slovenija
"A fascinating visit full of stories and history."
— Martina, Italy
"One of the highlights of our trip."
— Lukas, Germany
BOOK YOUR TOUR
First, select the next available date and confirm your booking with payment. Afterward, you will receive an email with the invoice, navigation instructions, and all necessary information. Please bring the receipt with you to the tour. Finally, a calendar reminder will be added to help you keep track of your booked experience.
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Castelmonte
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FAQ:
HOW TO REACH CASTELMONTE
Stara Gora | Castelmonte Sanctuary is located in Benečija, Italy, close to Cividale city. It is located very close to Slovenian border and the Soča Valley. It may be reached within 30-60 minutes from the Soča Valley, depending on your location.
PARKING
A large parking is available at the Stara Gora | Castelmonte Sanctuary.
MEETING LOCATION
At Santuario Beata Vergine Castelmonte | Stara Gora, 33040 Prepotto UD, Italija. Navigation instructions and guide meeting point are provided in you email after booking.
TOUR OVERVIEW
Stara Gora represents the central pilgrimage site of Venetian Slovenia. The church has been rebuilt several times throughout history. In response to Turkish raids, the sanctuary and monastery were fortified with defensive walls, which have been preserved and still surround the site today.
Your visit includes the Sexton’s House, chapel, crypt, church, and several historic rooms, each revealing stories that have shaped this sacred hill for over a thousand years. Tours begin at the former Sexton’s House, located at the entrance to the sanctuary village between the two historic gates.
Meaningful is the warm welcome of Slovenian pilgrims, with services, information, and even confession available in the Slovenian language.
Guided tours for individuals and groups are available during opening hours. A meaningful experience for pilgrims, history lovers, and curious travellers alike.
The earliest written Slovene texts (Brižinski spomeniki) are found in the Freising Manuscripts (972–1039). They were discovered in Freising and are preserved today in Germany (Munich).
They were followed by the Klagenfurt (Rateški rokopis) Manuscript (1362–1390), which is kept in Austria, the Stična Manuscript (1428–1440), preserved in Slovenia, and the Starogorski Manuscript from 1492, kept in Italy in Stara Gora near Slovenia.
WHEN
Please check the dates in the booking section.
DURATION
Tour requires 1 hour.
CHILDREN
Children are welcome.
PRICE
Price:
Full ticket 8€
Reduced ticket
7€ per person for groups of 20 or more people
5€ for children aged 12-17 years old inclusive, over 65 and people with disabilities
Free admission for children under 12 years of age
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
Included in the price:
- Entrance fee
- Guiding by a local guide
Price exclusions:
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Walking snacks
- Drinks
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
- Walking shoes
- Comfortable clothes
- Sun protection or umbrella
- Water bottle
USEFUL INFORMATION
Guiding language is Italian or Slovene.
ACCESSIBILITY | LIMITATIONS
No special limitations except for disabled people – steep path occasionally.
Accessibility
Visitors with mobility disabilities can reach the Castelmonte hamlet by elevator on the northeast side. Please note that most tour routes include architectural barriers; only the crypt and the church are fully accessible.
WEATHER LIMITATIONS
Guided tours are available in bad weather making it perfect for a rain-safe activity.
GROUP SIZE
Guided tours are perfect for smaller groups, families & friends.
Larger groups are also accepted. We advise to contact us prior to make a reservation of larger groups.
WHY VISIT CASTELMONTE | STARA GORA
One of the oldest pilgrimage sites.
A sanctuary with centuries of devotion.
Cultural crossroads of Europe.
Where Slavic and Latin traditions meet.
Panoramic views.
Spectacular views over Friuli and the Julian Alps.
Historic manuscript.
Home of the Stara Gora manuscript from 1492.
Fortified sanctuary village.
A rare example of a fortified pilgrimage settlement.
You can read more about the Castelmonte | Stara Gora Sanctuary on Wikipedia.
PHOTO GALLERY
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We look forward to your perfect Soča Valley experience!
