Lipizzan horses
A white herd grazing under the pasture trees.
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Lipica Stud Farm is the original home of the white Lipizzan horse, set in the village of Lipica on the Karst plateau close to the Italian border. It is one of the region's main visitor draws, with tree-shaded pastures, historic stables and a herd you can see at close range. Archduke Charles II founded it in 1580, at a time when the Spanish horse was considered the ideal, and chose Lipica because its soil and climate resembled those of Spain. The first horses arrived from Spain in 1581, 24 broodmares and six stallions, and the farmers living here were moved to Laže. The breed as known today took shape under Maria Theresa, and the farm was relocated more than once during the Napoleonic wars. Out in the pastures, white horses graze beneath the trees, among older buildings that include the manor and traditional stone wells. The village name comes from lipa, the linden, a national symbol of Slovenia, and the staff plant a new linden for every foal born. The farm lies about 8.4 km from central Trieste and 8.8 km from the Škocjan Caves in a straight line. Visits run as guided tours, so check tour and show times, which change with the season. Avoid feeding or approaching the horses beyond what the guides allow.
A white herd grazing under the pasture trees.
One is planted for every new foal.
A manor and stone wells from the farm's past.
Lipica, Municipality of Sežana, Slovenia
Visits are usually organised as guided tours, so check the times before you arrive.
Yes, about 8.4 km from central Trieste in a straight line, close to the Italian border.