In 1947, the Treaty of Paris abruptly divided Gorizia into two towns: the medieval Gorizia in Italy and the newly planned Nova Gorica in Slovenia. This separation, a result of post-World Event II boundary realignments, created two distinct towns on either side of a newly established border.
However, in 2025, these towns will reunite as the first transnational European Capital of Culture under the project GO!2025.
DISCOVER SLOVENIA: The Most Underrated Country In The World? | 80 Eye-Opening Facts
Video by All About Europe
Currently, the border between these towns is merely symbolic, thanks to Slovenia’s entry into the EU in 2004. Travelers can move freely between the Modernist streets of Nova Gorica and the cobblestoned charm of Gorizia without needing a passport. The designation of GO!2025 brings significant attention to this unique locale, with visitor numbers expected to rise dramatically, from 250,000 annually to between two and five million. A packed schedule of cultural events and performances will showcase the rich heritage of both towns.
Despite their shared history, the towns are strikingly different. Gorizia is a quintessential medieval town, complete with cobblestone streets, vibrant cafes, and an imposing castle housing interactive exhibits. In contrast, Nova Gorica is a Modernist urban experiment, designed during Yugoslav rule to demonstrate urban development capabilities. Its concrete architecture and structured layout stand in stark contrast to Gorizia’s old-world charm. Yet, hidden within Nova Gorica’s unassuming streets are gardens, decayed palaces, and Social Realist frescoes that echo its turbulent past.
Each year, the EU awards the European Capital of Culture to two towns, with the 2025 glory shared by Gorizia/Nova Gorica and Chemnitz, Germany. This title brings funding, infrastructure projects, and widespread promotion. The joint transnational application for GO!2025 is particularly noteworthy, symbolizing open borders and cross-cultural collaboration. While administratively separate, the residents of Gorizia and Nova Gorica often speak both Italian and Slovenian, living and working seamlessly across the border.
A notable landmark celebrating this unity is Piazza Transalpina, where visitors can stand in both Slovenia and Italy simultaneously. As part of GO!2025, this square has been transformed into a cultural hub featuring an underground gallery and an amphitheater-like structure. This iconic site epitomizes the cooperative spirit of the two towns.
The history of Gorizia/Nova Gorica is one of frequent political shifts, having been governed by powers ranging from the Habsburgs and Napoleon to Yugoslavia and modern-day Italy and Slovenia. This dynamic history is reflected in the lives of locals, such as Evelin Bizjak, whose family history spans multiple nations and eras. The abrupt post-conflict border division led to stories of divided families and smuggling practices, which are now preserved in the museums on both sides of the border. These museums document daily life along the boundary, with exhibits highlighting smuggled goods like chocolate and schnapps, symbolizing a bygone era of resilience and resourcefulness.
The creation of Nova Gorica was a Yugoslav project, initiated to provide housing and jobs for displaced residents. Designed by architect Edvard Ravnikar, the town’s construction remains incomplete, blending visionary planning with pragmatic, budget-driven development.
Among the cultural highlights of the region is Kostanjevica, a 16th-century Franciscan cultural house on a hilltop adorned with chestnut trees and Bourbon roses. Despite severe damage during World Event l, it was meticulously restored. The crypt beneath the houses the remains of Charles X, the last Bourbon king of France, who died in exile. His burial here—a transnational resting place for a displaced monarch—reflects the region’s history of shifting borders and blended cultures.
From Kostanjevica, the view stretches across Gorizia, Nova Gorica, the Adriatic Sea, and the Alps, encapsulating the meeting of climates, cultures, and nationalities. This harmonious coexistence demonstrates the possibilities of a borderless Europe, with GO!2025 offering an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate this unique transnational identity.
