Two cities, countless borderless stories of culture, art, creativity and vision.
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.
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.
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.
Below are some highlights of the new district and green belt that will rejuvenate the Goricas with a fresh aesthetic and enhanced content:
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The connecting environment of the two key ECoC projects, EPIC and SUPER8 |
🏀 Jungle Basketball |
Atlas of Forgotten Orchards |
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🤸♀️ Children's Playground |
Epic Open Spaces |
🌳 Tree Platforms |
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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
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...
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.
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.
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
The land of unique vines and first-rate cuisine between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea
Sun-Kissed Wine Country between the Alps and the Mediterranean
The world of underground wonders, stunning natural phenomena and unique tastes.
Escape on an active break in the picturesque world of the Julian Alps, the Triglav National Park and the emerald River Soča.
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.
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