Nova Gorica was in collaboration with Gorizia chosen to be European Capital of Culture (ECoC) in 2025. The spectacular opening will be on February 8 – Slovenian cultural and national holiday on anniversary of death of the greatest Slovenian poet dr. France Prešeren.
As a part of the European Capital of Culture, various events will take place throughout the year, connecting both sides of the border. Below we marked out some sightseeing suggestions that might interest you while visiting GO!2025.
Borderless
This is a Square, located half in Slovenia and half in Italy and represents an important meeting point between the two cultures. It symbolizes the unity of the cross-border towns of Gorizia (Italy) and Nova Gorica (Slovenia), representing European integration and the rejection of division and represents the centre of European Capital of Culture, GO!2025. It’s a point where you can take a picture with one leg in Slovenia and the other one in Italy.
Multimedia Exhibition ‘Lasciapassare Prepustnica’ History And Memories Of A Border Town
It’s a museum at Rafut pass and offers a photographic and multimedia exhibition exploring the history of Gorizia, Nova Gorica, and their border – passing it was not always as easy as it is today. Inside you will see video interviews recounting personal stories from both sides of the border that symbolize the division between Italy and Yugoslavia.
Museum on the Border – Museum Collection Pristava and Escape room
Museum Collection Pristava is part of the Museum on the Border project, showcasing the history of smuggling in the Goriška region after World War II. The exhibition Na šverc! explores how locals secretly transported goods across the Slovenia-Italy border to improve their living standards. Smugglers hid items under clothes, in vehicles, or other unexpected places to evade customs officers. An escape room experience allows visitors to learn more through interactive gameplay.
Museum on the Border – Museum Collection Kolodvor
Museum Collection Kolodvor in Nova Gorica’s railway station is also part of the Museum on the Border project, which includes three other historical sites along the Slovenia-Italy border. The exhibition State Border in the Goriška Region 1945-2004 opened in 2005 in the city’s oldest public building, the former Gorizia North Train Station. Built in 1906 with designs by Viennese architect Robert Seelig, the station features rich Secession-style décor. After border demarcation, it remained in Yugoslavia. The exhibition received the Valvasor honorary recognition award from the Museum Society of Slovenia.
Nova Gorica railway station
The station is located opposite to the Europe Square and in the same building as the Museum on the Border – Museum Collection Kolodvor. It’s a good starting point if you are interested in exploring what Soča Valley offers. Did you know that the GO!2025 logo colour represents the colour of the river Soča? And the train will take you across the Soča river through the Solkan Bridge – the world’s longest stone arch railroad bridge, that spans 85 meters and was completed in 1905 as part of the Bohinj Railway. Though demolished in World War I, it was rebuilt using the original plans and remains in use today. Recognized as a technical monument in 1985, it enjoys special protection.
From Venice to Soča valley with the train
The rail connection between Gorizia and Nova Gorica – where Bohinj Railway starts, is expected to be established on 9 February, the day after the official opening of the European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica – Gorica. This new connection will primarily allow passengers to connect to the wider rail network without changing trains. As part of the ECoC, a connection between Venice and Nova Gorica is planned, which will be operated by the Italian carrier Trenitalia every weekend, excluding Italian holidays.
What can you see in Soča Valley?
Tolmin Museum, located in the former Coronini Manor, showcases the cultural heritage of the Soča region. Its permanent exhibition features remarkable Iron Age finds from Most na Soči and the history of the 1713 Great Tolmin Peasant Revolt. The museum also offers a gallery, a shop, and guided tours of nearby cultural monuments. Another castle, the Kozlov rob castle, is a culturally significant site and a popular hiking spot in the Tolmin basin. First mentioned in the 12th century, the castle changed owners frequently before being abandoned in the 17th century. Today, its ruins are being gradually restored, with an educational trail showcasing history and local nature. Find out more about castle secrets in our certified guided tour.
There are many other natural sights and attractions you might want to check out while visiting European Capital of Culture 2025. Did you know, that near Soča Valley the oldest musical instrument in the wold was discovered? Check for the tickets here. We suggest you visiting also the Tolmin Gorges, formed by the Tolminka and Zadlaščica rivers – one of Tolmin’s most stunning natural attractions. As the lowest entry point into Triglav National Park, its circular trail offers a scenic yet occasionally challenging hike. Due to entry restrictions, advance online ticket purchase and proper hiking footwear are recommended. You can book your guided tour here.
There are many other attractions collected on the Borderless map and on our website www.socavalley.com.
Sources: go2025.eu, euro-go.eu, culture.ec.europa.eu, robin.si
Laura Drašček, Vrtojba