Mountain stories at Palazzo Coronini: Julius Kugy and women at altitude

Through the stories of figures such as Julius Kugy and pioneering women climbers, the exhibition celebrates human courage and resilience, offering an experience that fuses history, art and nature.

Why an exhibition on mountains at Palazzo Coronini?

Palazzo Coronini, through its collections and the personalities who passed through and lived here, can lead one to discover realities apparently far removed from its nature as an aristocratic residence. In the heart of Gorizia, Palazzo Coronini emerges not only as a treasure trove of art and history, but also as a bridge to adventures and worlds far beyond its walls. The building that stands in front of the Scuderie and some documentary evidence preserved in the Coronini family archives have provided the inspiration to create an itinerary that aims to tell ‘our’ mountain stories.

An important anniversary was celebrated in February this year: the 80th anniversary of the death of Julius Kugy, an extraordinary mountaineer, botanist, musician and writer, who was born in 1858 in one of the buildings in the Coronini Park, later named Villa Kugy. Visiting the exhibition you will be immersed in his particular vision of the mountains, you will be able to retrace his explorations in the Friulian Alps, discover his many passions and the deep connection with his alpine guides.

At the same time, the exhibition explores a fascinating and lesser-known narrative: that of women at altitude. The theme was suggested by three small photographs that immortalise Countess Carmen Coronini Cronberg on the peaks of the Dolomites in 1909. Little is known about Carmen's mountaineering activities, but these shots prompted us to investigate the exploits and role of women in the mountains in the period coeval with Kugy. From the first female explorers to porters, you will discover courageous female figures who broke conventions and tackled difficult situations, setting the course for future generations of female mountaineers.

Opening times from June 8th 2024:

open: Wednesday to Friday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

closed: Mondays and Tuesdays.

closed: Christmas, 31st December, 1st January.