Holiday apartment in Šempas: Winter Hiking Day, Wine and Culture

Šempas can be explored via paths, vineyards and notable cultural sites. A particularly noteworthy event is the traditional Winter Hiking Day through Šempas and its surroundings, which takes place on the first Sunday in December. The route leads through the village centre and vineyards and covers 10 to 12 kilometres.

Hiking and Cycling

A well-signposted route runs through the villages of Šmihel, Ozeljan, Šempas, Vitovlje and Osek. It allows visitors to discover the natural and cultural heritage, as well as the history and local special features, and also offers hikers culinary treats. For cyclists, the “Five Villages, Five Flavors” cycling experience is available: it leads by bicycle through Šmihel, Ozeljan, Šempas, Vitovlje and Osek and includes the tasting of five different wines and selected regional specialities in a wine cellar.

The cycling tour through the Lower Vipava Valley leads through Šempas and passes vineyards and orchards. Several winegrowers and agritourism establishments are located along this cycling tour in Ozeljan, Šempas and Črniče, offering homemade snacks and Vipava wine.

Culture and History

The Spominski muzej heroja Mihajla is housed in the old school of Šempas. It displays Mihajlo’s early artworks, photographs, military equipment and numerous objects brought from Azerbaijan by local people.

The Church of St. Sylvester in Šempas was built as a Baroque church in 1782 according to plans by the architect D. Bona. Its bell tower features swallowtail-shaped battlements and is the only bell tower on this side of the Soča with such architecture.

The Tabor in Šempas, also known as Stari grad, was originally an unfortified tower manor. During the Turkish invasions, it was later surrounded by a wall with five defensive towers and a defensive moat.

The statue of the Virgin Mary with the Child associated with the Kapelica na Gunu dates from the second half of the 16th century. Franc Krašana Park in Šempas is dedicated to his important scientific work and his love of nature.

Cuisine and Crafts

At Mohorjevo, exhibitions and workshops present the making of tapestries, bobbin lace, woodcuts, paintings and other handicrafts. Mohorjevo also offers traditional specialities such as polenta with prosciutto sauce, homemade hand-sliced prosciutto, Šempaské Štruklji, homemade pastries, beekeeping products and lavender products.

Events

In 2024, the Turnir trojk Šempas was scheduled to take place daily until 5 July from 4 p.m. at Plošča in Šempas. The Praznik Šempasa Mohorjevo festival took place on 13 July 2024 at 7 p.m. in Šempas.

Also pay attention to the included services, individual price components, and the booking and cancellation conditions. Depending on the offer, additional costs, maximum occupancy and the rules for changes may also be relevant. Compare these points directly on the respective offer page before booking.

Other Places

For further exploration, you can also visit Zalošče, Sela Na Krasu, Vitovlje, Kostanjevica na Krasu, Dobrovo, Solkan, Prvačina and Šempeter Pri Gorici.

To the higher-level travel overview: Nova Gorica.