Hi guys,

Today, you’re going with me up on a hill, 681 meters above sea level.
At the top of it stands a big church that we can see fairly well downhill in the Vipava valley.
We are going to Sveta Gora (->map), a independent settlement near the city of Nova Gorica.

First of all, I must admit I did not know anything about Sveta Gora.
But everytime I was driving in this area of Slovenia (near Nova Gorica or Sempeter),
I was always asking “what is that place out there with the church at the top of that hill ?”.

Many months later, I finally had the chance to get the answer to my question.
My mother-in-law had the brilliant idea to take us all up there.
It was the 2nd of January and she wanted us to see the nativity scenes inside the church.

It is not that easy to get up there by car because the road is very steep and narrow.
But once you are up there, the reward is just great.
There is a huge terrace just in front of the church with an fantastic view on the alps.
It was absolutly beautiful.
We could have easlily stayed there half an hour just walking around and admiring the view on the alps
or the view downhill to see the Soča valley, Nova Gorica and the river “Soča”.

For those of you who like to visit churches, do not hesitate to go inside and enjoy it.
Walk around the church to see its architecture.
I was surprised when I realised how big this church really was.

If you happen to be in this part of Slovenia (near Nova Gorica) in December or the beginning of January,
I strongly recommend you to go inside the church to see all the nativity scenes.
You will love it and if you have kids, they will love it even more.

My tips for Sveta Gora:

1/ Go to the terrace in front of the church and enjoy the outstanding view.
2/ Go inside the church to see how it looks like.
3/ Find a nice spot to see the Soča river, Nova Gorica and Gorizia downhill in the Soča valley.
4/ Go eat the restaurant (near the stairs leading to the church).