The cities of Nova Gorica and Gorizia, which together form a conurbation, are now connected as the first cross-border European Capital of Culture. For the first time in history, cities in two countries are united in this project. The centre point of the two cities and the focal point of the European City of Culture is Trg Evrope/ Piazza Transalpina, a square lying half in Slovenia and half in Italy. The inauguration of the European Capital of Culture will take place in this square on 8 February 2025, a date that coincides with Slovenia’s national day of culture. Those involved in the project are working hard to ensure that community and the power of connection, knowledge and transcending borders are firmly in first place. The realisation of this goal is a process full of challenges that requires great efforts, but together we will succeed. We are sincerely looking forward to new opportunities for greater economic and cultural development and the growth of the tourism sector in both cities. When the curtain comes down on this prestigious title in December 2025, the story will not end there. Instead, we aim to continue our cooperation into the future.
GO! 2025 is a project of people on both sides of the border and, as such, an excellent opportunity for us to go beyond everything that separates us. That is why the common thread running through the project is borderlessness, the ability to live in the freedom that comes from transcending established frameworks and overcoming obstacles. Nova Gorica and Gorizia are already seen as a model of cross- border cooperation in Europe and we firmly believe that, through GO! 2025, we will prove that life without borders and coexistence in friendship are possible, despite a sometimes bitter and tragic past.
Samo Turel
Mayor of the City Municipality of Nova Gorica
