The countdown to 2025 is on as Nova Gorica, Slovenia's youngest city, and its neighbouring counterpart Gorizia, a unique fusion of two interconnected cities, prepare to light up the European and global cultural stage as the cross-border European Capital of Culture. At the same time, Slovenia will step into the spotlight, showcasing its rich culture, world-class art, vibrant creativity and unique heritage to a global audience.

Join us as we explore the bonds that unite these picturesque towns and the myriad of stories that weave them into the fabric of the wider region.

 

The European Capital of Culture, an initiative of the European Union, places culture at the heart of European cities, celebrating the arts and culture of selected destinations throughout the year.

In 2025, the German city of Chemnitz will join Nova Gorica and Gorizia in holding this prestigious title.

It is worth noting that Nova Gorica is not the first Slovenian city to receive this esteemed recognition. In 2012, Maribor was honoured as the European Capital of Culture.

NOVA GORICA AND GORIZIA = INTERTWINED CITIES, A BORDERLESS NEIGHBOURHOOD OF CREATIVITY

The uniqueness of a European Capital of Culture being made up of two cities is illustrated by the history of the two Goricas. Nova Gorica, the youngest city in Slovenia, has deep historical and everyday links with Gorizia on the Italian side of the border. Nestled in a landscape of fertile hills, orchards and vineyards of the Brda and Vipava valleys, where the emerald green Soča River meanders from the heart of the Alps and where the mysterious Karst and the sea are just a glance away, a town with a vibrant identity has flourished since the end of World War II.

This year, and especially next year, the history, stories, personalities, past, present and future achievements of creativity, integration and art of the two Goricas will be presented to Slovenia, Italy, Europe and the world this year through the vision and programme GO!2025 = BORDERLESS.

Visit the official website

ECoC DISTRICT – A NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD OF CREATIVITY

At the heart of the upcoming European Capital of Culture will be the ECoC district, which will be brought to life along a kilometre-long border strip between two former customs houses. The newly designed (and renovated) area will not only serve as a focal point for events and social gatherings during the ECoC year, but is also based on eco-friendly solutions, sustainable renovation and new amenities for citizens and visitors in the future.

Explore

Below are some highlights of the new district and green belt that will rejuvenate the Goricas with a fresh aesthetic and enhanced content:

The connecting environment of the two key ECoC projects, EPIC and SUPER8

🏀 Jungle Basketball

Atlas of Forgotten Orchards

🤸‍♀️ Children's Playground

Epic Open Spaces

🌳 Tree Platforms

Space for Urban Interventions

Urban Equipment

🐞 Green Stories: hotels for insects and bats, meadows, pocket groves, planting new trees, etc.

Visualisation in the background: Saša Dobričič

Visualisations in the photogallery: Ravnikar - Potokar

#BORDERLESS PROJECTS: from dance to fashion, from the culinary arts to sport

The European Capital of Culture will bring together more than just the arts and culture of the region. The rich programme is notably ambitious and encourages the interplay of different themes: fashion, exhibitions, performances, music and concerts, theatre, ecology and sustainable development, film, architecture, cuisine, technology, sport...

Have a look at the programme, which is always up to date

 R.o.R. festival - an art installation by Luka Savić. Photo: BridA.

CURRENT PROJECTS AND EVENTS INVITING YOU TO THE CROSS-BORDER CAPITAL OF CULTURE

The common goal of the many projects is to unfold a cultural panorama that stretches from the Alps and the Soča River to the Adriatic Sea, and beyond the borders without borders, featuring personalities such as the painter Mušič, the architect Ravnikar, the psychoanalyst Basaglia, and the virtuoso Gadjiev.

See the calendar of events

10 unique events to celebrate the year of the European Capital of Culture:

1. Exhibits of painter Zoran Mušič's works at six locations (Bukovica, Kromberk, Gorica, Bled, Dobrovo, Štanjel)

2. Pianist Gadjiev to perform on the Solkan Bridge and host masterclasses in Gorizia

3. Performance by Nastja and Mihal at the Solkan Quarry

4. 12 episodes of Tomi Janežič's theatre saga

5. Brass bands from across the region at the opening ceremony

6. Travelling cinema in the EcoC region on both sides of the border

7. FICE Convention with European film stars in both Gorizia and Nova Gorica

8. Primorska sings at the sites of frescoes by France Kralj

9. Treasures of Oglej

10. Pavilion-park EcoC district from Carinarnica to Mostovna

 R.o.R festival -  visual art installation by Claudia Reh. Photo: BridA.

SPECIAL EVENTS AT UNIQUE VENUES

Both Goricas feature well-known and (currently) undiscovered venues that will serve as captivating hosts for events, exhibitions, projects and performances. A cycle tunnel, a bridge over the Soča River, the emerging ECoC district, even a mobile motorail train carriage have all been transformed into platforms for diverse cultural experiences.

EXPLORE INVITING DESTINATIONS

You will certainly enjoy yourself here by indulging in a harmonious blend of natural beauty and adventure, cultural attractions and culinary delights. A haven for wine lovers, this destination boasts some of the world's finest wines. Taste these exquisite wines in acclaimed wineries or welcoming farmhouses. Discover the rich history of the museums, galleries, mansions and enchanting castles.

Official Nova Gorica & Vipavska dolina website

Nova Gorica and the Vipava Valley

The land of unique vines and first-rate cuisine between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea

Nova Gorica and the Vipava Valley

Nova Gorica and the Vipava Valley

More

Brda

Sun-Kissed Wine Country between the Alps and the Mediterranean

Brda

Brda

More

Karst

The world of underground wonders, stunning natural phenomena and unique tastes.

Karst

Karst

More

Soča Valley

Escape on an active break in the picturesque world of the Julian Alps, the Triglav National Park and the emerald River Soča.

Soča Valley

Soča Valley

More

Slovenia – inspiring stories of art, heritage and culture

Medieval castles on the one hand, and modern architecture on the other. Traditional ethnological festivals followed by contemporary dance or street art festivals find a place on the calendar of events. The richness of historic towns and the treasures of young city centres. Classical music concerts at Plečnik's Križanke, or concerts by world-famous bands at Arena Stožice. Slovenia is a destination where everyone can find something to fill their culture- and art-craving soul.

Street art in Slovenia

Street art, graffiti, urban art in Slovenian cities.

Street art in Slovenia

More

Galleries and museums

Museums and galleries in Slovenia – a treasure trove of art from prehistoric times until today.

Galleries and museums

More

Arts and Culture

Slovenia boasts a rich cultural tradition.

Arts and Culture

More

Creative art centres and venues

Some of the most exciting locations for lovers of art, culture and creative industries.

Creative art centres and venues

More

Plečnik's Slovenia

Learn about the masterpieces of Jože Plečnik, the greatest Slovenian architect!

Plečnik's Slovenia

More

Slovenia, a treasure trove of literature

Discover Slovenia's literary, cultural and other artistic treasures.

Slovenia, a treasure trove of literature

More

Events and experiences you should not miss in 2024

Create an unforgettable year for yourself with interesting events and experiences in Slovenia!

Events and experiences you should not miss in 2024

More

Museums and galleries where you can also enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine

Where can you top off your visit to the museums and galleries with a good coffee or a glass of wine?

Museums and galleries where you can also enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine

More

Stories from Slovenia

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive a green piece of Slovenia in your inbox, and learn about holidays, seasonal offers, upcoming events and travel options.

Share with friends