Making history by being the first cross-border European Capital of Culture, Slovenia’s Nova Gorica, along with its Italian counterpart Gorizia, has a well-deserved opportunity to shine in 2025. Frequently overlooked by tourists in favour of much older towns and cities, Nova Gorica and its surroundings have lots to offer visitors, as well as a year of diverse events designed to draw attention to the city and to celebrate the rich history and culture.
History of Nova Gorica
When the Paris Peace Treaty set the new border between Italy and Yugoslavia in 1047, the city of Gorizia was left outside the borders of Yugoslavia. The Soča and Vipava valleys and the Gorizia hills no longer had an urban administrative centre. Therefore the decision was made to create a new city on the Yugoslav side. Edvard Ravnikar, a Yugoslav architect was in charge of designing the new city. Ravnikar had studied under Le Corbusier and favoured the modernist style. His influences also influenced Slovenia’s most celebrated architect, Jože Plečnik, who left an indelible mark on Ljubljana, and the Finnish modernist Alvar Aalto.
Although Nova Gorica was originally envisaged as a grand garden city with wide boulevards and squares, lack of money meant the plans had to be scaled back. However, buildings such as the Municipal Palace and the Bevk Library are reminders of what could have been.
Today, Nova Gorica is a lively city, home to one of Slovenia’s three national theatres and a university.
What to see around Nova Gorica
Kostanjevica monastery and the tombs of the Bourbon kings
On a hill to the south of Nova Gorica stands the 17th century Kostanjevica monastery and church of the Annunciation of Our Lady. The church crypt contains the tombs of the last of the Bourbons, the French royal family, who fled after the French Revolution.
Sveta Gora (Holy Mountain)
Pilgrims have been coming to Sveta Gora for almost 500 years. The summit offers fabulous views (on a clear day you can even see Venice. There is also an imposing basilica, a monastery, and a museum about the Battles of the Isonzo.
Solkan
Today Solkan is part of the Nova Gorica urban area, but its history and distinct character mean that it remains a settlement in its own right. It’s famous for the bridge over the emerald green Soča River. The bridge was rebuilt in 1927 and has become an iconic landmark.
Capital of Culture 2025 Events
The calendar of cultural, gastronomic and other events to mark the European Capital of Culture year is diverse. Here is just a small selection:
- The Vipava Valley Wine Train: a five-hour train ride through Slovenia’s glorious Vipava Valley wine region. There are stops along with way to visit vineyards and sample local wines.
- The Nova Gorica Rally, part of the FIA European Rally Championship. The rally attracts thousands of fans to see some of the world’s top rally drivers
- Music Bridges, a season of concerts taking place on both sides of the border. The diverse selection of music includes traditional music from the region.
- The newly renovated “Museum on the Border” at Miren. A permanent exhibition explains how the Miren Cemetery was cut in half.
- Easter events at the basiliica on Sveta Gora, an Easter bike ride through the Natisone Valley, and an Easter baking workshop
For the full calendar of events, see the official website of Go! 2025 Nova Gorica Gorizia
