Lace first appeared in Gorizia in the 16th century. It was used in clothing, furnishings, grave goods, and church furnishings. But it was in the 17th century that nuns of the Ursuline order, who arrived in Gorizia from Vienna, founded a convent, a college, and the first Italian girls' school, teaching embroidery and lacemaking. The school's students received qualifications and titles recognized throughout the Habsburg territories.
The first items produced by the Gorizia school, designed by the founding nuns, departed from Venetian tradition by using bobbins rather than needles. Their intended use was elite, as demonstrated by the refined lacework in portraits, vestments, ecclesiastical ornaments, and the quality of the lace. 
Lacemaking further developed in the 18th century, and Gorizia's production was particularly appreciated for its refined execution.

In 1924 the Administration of the Royal Corsican Laces was established in Gorizia. 

In 1932, an exhibition space displaying local products, particularly lace, was set up in an artisan workshop at number 10 Corso Vittorio Emanuele (now Corso Italia). 

In 1946, the State Lace School was established in Gorizia, where the first teaching course was started and color was introduced into lace, giving rise to masterpieces of great detail and precision.

In 1979 the school became part of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Since 2013, the school has been managed by the “Fondazione Scuola Merletti di Gorizia”, founded by the Autonomous Region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia together with the Province of Gorizia, the Municipality of Gorizia, the Chamber of Commerce of Gorizia, joined by the Cassa di Risparmio di Gorizia Foundation. 

The Foundation's functions and activities are currently managed by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Autonomous Region, through the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Agency for Cultural Heritage.

Lace has always been a resource and a source of pride for the region. The oldest creations are preserved at the Provincial Museums of Gorizia, and the more modern ones, used as appliques on high-fashion garments, or as jewelry and accessories, can be admired at the Lace School or purchased in specialized shops in Gorizia.

Main applications

High fashion

The fashion garments made by the Gorizia Lace School are prestigious dresses with lace inserts, details that give the dress an unsurpassed uniqueness and distinctiveness.

Jewels

Gorizia Lace jewels are unique creations made entirely of lace, which are individually packaged.

Accessories

The accessories are one of the most requested and pleasant items of the Lace School due to their small size and the skill required to work very “concentrated” works.