Home FIND VENUE Special Venues: Park Vila Rafut

Special Venues: Park Vila Rafut

An architectural and botanical treasure from the early 20th century

Jun 5, 2026

A BOTANICAL TREASURE OF THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2025

On the slopes of Rafut Hill in Nova Gorica — which, together with the Italian town of Gorizia, will hold the title of European Capital of Culture 2025 — lies an early-20th-century architectural and botanical treasure. Newly restored and reopened to the public after more than twenty years, the garden of Villa Rafut, designed by architect Anton Laščak, is a true gem of cultural and natural heritage, distinguished by its unique layout and rich biodiversity.

Due to a long-standing lack of maintenance funding, the park remained closed to the public for many years and is still relatively little known to wider audiences, yet this very fact contributes to its distinctive, intimate atmosphere. The extensive restoration completed this year has returned this unique site to residents and visitors alike. As part of the renovation works, a circular path, new viewing platforms and additional benches were installed, and invasive plant species that had overgrown the original planting scheme were removed. From the new viewpoint, there are also open views towards Gorizia Castle in Gorizia, symbolically reconnecting the park and Villa Rafut with their historic setting.

The restored park provides an ideal setting for a wide range of outdoor events, from cultural programmes to smaller gatherings. Concerts, weddings and other occasions can be staged at scenic viewpoints and smaller event spaces throughout Villa Rafut Park. Following the planned restoration of Villa Rafut, which is due to begin next year, visitors will also be able to enjoy occasional events and gatherings held within its refurbished interiors.

Anton Laščak (1856–1946) was the court architect to the Egyptian ruler and one of the most important figures of Neo-Islamic architecture. He designed a number of luxurious palaces in Cairo and Alexandria, while in Slovenia he created the park and villa at Pristava Villa Rožna Dolina. Although he considered himself a Friulian and Italian patriot, he also spoke Slovene. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the noble title of bey by the Egyptian viceroy, a rank roughly equivalent to that of a baron.

With its Neo-Oriental design, the park is unique within the European context. Thanks to its distinctive microclimate, a number of tree and shrub species considered rather exotic for Slovenia thrive here, further enriching the garden and giving it a distinctive character. Among them are Laurus, Prunus laurocerasus and Rhododendron, which, owing to favourable conditions, have reached the dimensions of mature trees. The Quercus suber is even the oldest known specimen of its kind in Slovenia. Admission to the garden is free, and complimentary guided tours are also available.