THE TREASURE OF THE GORIZIA CATHEDRAL

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Hilary and Tatian Martyrs (Duomo) is the main Christian-Catholic place of worship in the city of Gorizia and the episcopal seat of the metropolitan archdiocese of the same name. Today, as part of the European Capital of Culture GO! 2025, certainly represents one of the sites to visit and learn about.

When the Patriarchate of Aquileia was suppressed in 1751, two new episcopal sees were created, that of Gorizia and that of Udine. The first archbishop of Gorizia, Carlo Michele d'Attems reorganized religious life and built the Chapel of Relics in the Cathedral to house the treasure of the Cathedral, made up of ancient Gorizia goods and enriched by relics and related reliquaries forming part of the Treasury of Aquileia and substantial donations from Empress Maria Theresa, including precious liturgical vestments.

Extraordinary objects which, finally, can be admired in their entirety thanks to the permanent exhibition set up right in the Cathedral. A total of 34 will be exhibited, all with a great evocative force that derives from their history and their experience, which are intertwined with the history of the territory. The oldest original pieces are the wooden busts of Ilario, Taziano and Stefano from the 16th century and some reliquaries and relics from the metropolitan church: transported here in 1756, they tell how the Church of Gorizia took up the legacy of that of Aquileia. This makes them even more interesting, highlighting the never-ending bond between Gorizia and what is called the second Rome.

Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday 3-5pm

Free entry