Italy (Washington Insider Magazine) – The towns of Gorizia in Italy and Nova Gorica in Slovenia, divided since 1947, will reunite next year as the joint European Capital of Culture. This historic collaboration aims to bridge the divide created post-World War II when Gorizia was split between Italy and the former Yugoslavia.
Visitors to Gorizia can enjoy the historic Piazza della Vittoria, where Slovene orange wine and local dialects blend seamlessly. This picturesque square, adorned with baroque architecture and a monumental Neptune fountain, reflects the town’s Austro-Hungarian past. Despite its rich history, Gorizia remains a hidden gem, overlooked by many tourists and even Italians.
The division of Gorizia left a lasting impact, similar to Berlin’s separation, but without the same level of global attention. The joint bid by Gorizia and Nova Gorica to become a unified European Capital of Culture represents a significant step toward healing this historical rift.
Borderless Cultural Celebration
Starting in February 2025, the towns will host an ambitious program of 600 events, encompassing music, dance, art, theatre, and more. The theme “Borderless” aims to create a unified identity for the two towns. Romina Kocina, an official organizer, hopes this initiative will leave a lasting legacy of unity, while filmmaker Matteo Oleotto stresses the long-standing, unofficial unity of the towns’ residents.
The full calendar of events will be revealed in October, with the official inauguration on February 8, 2025. This grand celebration will take place in Piazza della Transalpina, a square still divided between Slovenia and Italy, symbolizing the towns’ reunification.
According to theguardian, Gorizia’s charm is evident in its historic streets, lined with mansions and boutiques. Despite some vacant shops, new initiatives are revitalizing the town. Casa Krainer, a former hardware store, now hosts art exhibitions, while a historic osteria has been transformed into a stylish B&B. Visitors can rent bikes to explore and learn about the town’s complex history through multimedia exhibits at the Smart Space museum.
Nova Gorica: A Socialist Utopia
In contrast, Nova Gorica, designed as a socialist utopia 75 years ago, features modern architecture, green spaces, and a vibrant student population. Local Slovenes visit Gorizia for its cultural offerings, while Italians head to Nova Gorica for outdoor activities along the Soča River and in the surrounding countryside.
Both towns offer a rich culinary experience. Gorizia boasts restaurants like Rosenbar, led by Slow Food pioneer Michela Fabbro, and Antica Osteria al Sabotino, are known for their seasonal dishes. In Nova Gorica, visitors can enjoy craft beer pubs and traditional Slovenian cuisine.
The upcoming Capital of Culture celebrations mark a significant milestone for Gorizia and Nova Gorica, symbolizing the disappearance of the border controls that once separated them. The collaboration promises to attract global attention, highlighting the towns’ shared cultural heritage and future unity.
