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Viewing Tower in Gonjače

Q: How high is the climb to reach the top of the Viewing Tower in Gonjače?

Visitors must climb 144 steps to reach the viewing platform, which is situated 23 meters above the ground. The tower itself is perched atop Mejnik Hill at an elevation of 321 meters above the village.

Q: What specific landmarks and landscapes are visible from the top of the tower?

From the summit, you can view the rolling vineyards and orchards of Goriška Brda, as well as the Julian and Carnic Alps. On clear days, the distant Dolomites and the Gulf of Trieste are also visible.

Q: What historical significance does the Viewing Tower hold?

The tower serves as a site of remembrance, featuring a monument at its base dedicated to the 315 victims of World War II from the Brda region. This monument was created by artist Janez Boljka with inscriptions by writer France Bevk.

Q: Who designed the Viewing Tower and when was it built?

The tower was designed by architect Marko Šlajmer and built in 1961. Its design is noted for blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape of Goriška Brda.

Q: Is the Viewing Tower accessible year-round for visitors?

Yes, the tower is open year-round and is easily accessible, making it a suitable starting point for hiking or picnicking. While specific opening hours and admission fees are not detailed, it remains a must-visit destination.

23m tower with panoramic Alpine and Adriatic views

#2 of 8 in Goriška Brda

Where: Goriška Brda, Bled & Bohinj
Directions: Directions

The Viewing Tower in Gonjače stands on a hilltop in Goriška Brda, the wine-growing hills in the far west of Slovenia, a short distance from the Italian border. From the top, the view takes in the patchwork of vineyards, orchards and villages that make up the Brda landscape, with church towers on almost every ridge. On clear days, the horizon reaches to the Julian Alps in the north, the Friulian plain and even the Gulf of Trieste in the south-west. It is one of the best places to understand the shape of Brda, and the sight of the hills folding into one another is memorable at sunrise and sunset.

The tower is reached by a short walk from the road through woods and clearings, and it is easy to include in a day of wine tasting and cycling. The climb up the tower involves a good many steps, and the stairs can feel exposed, so it is best for people who are comfortable with heights. It is free to approach in normal conditions, and the surrounding hilltop has a few spots for picnics, with benches and shade under the trees. Walkers can continue along local trails that link villages and vineyards, and the ridge roads make pleasant cycling.

The landscape below owes its character to a long history of farming. Terraced slopes of marl and sandstone, called ponca, are ideal for vines, and growers here have long produced Rebula, Merlot and other wines. The Vineyards of Goriška Brda are covered in their own entry, with details on wine tastings, and the cooperative Klet Brda and the estate of Movia are among the best-known producers. The cherry orchards bloom in spring and fruit in early summer, and in autumn the vine leaves turn gold and red, so the view changes with the season.

Other sights in the area make good companions to the tower. Dobrovo Castle, now a gallery and cellar, lies a short drive away, and Villa Vipolže, a manor house with gardens, offers a calm place to stop. Ščurek and Krčnik and Kotline are further points for exploring the area on foot. Because the weather in Brda is often clear and warm, the tower is good for visits in any season, though hazy days in summer can reduce the view of the distant mountains. Visitors with limited time can combine it with a tasting at a nearby winery for a half-day outing.