For the first time since its inception, the European Capital of Culture title is being shared between two cities – Nova Gorica in Slovenia and Gorizia in Italy – in a project that transcends national borders and celebrates the unity of culture, creativity and community
Under the banner of GO! 2025 = BORDERLESS, this year’s cultural capital invites visitors to experience a unique fusion of heritage and vision, shaped by history and animated by the vibrant spirit of two intertwined towns.
Nova Gorica, the youngest city in Slovenia, was born out of post-war necessity and quickly grew into a dynamic urban centre. Established after World War II, it developed next to the demarcation line that separated the former Yugoslavia from Italy. Just across the border lies Gorizia, with its centuries-old architecture and multicultural roots. For decades, the physical and symbolic wall between them stood as a reminder of division. Today, that same location – the shared square between the two cities – will become the epicentre of connection, dialogue and celebration in 2025.
The story of GO! 2025 is rooted in the landscape that cradles these two cities. Between the emerald waters of the Soča River and the undulating vineyards of the Brda and Vipava valleys, this region is a mosaic of natural beauty and human endeavour. To the south, the Karst plateau stretches toward the Adriatic Sea, while to the north, alpine peaks shape the horizon. It is here, between hills and history, that culture finds its most authentic expression.
Between the emerald waters of the Soča River and the undulating vineyards of the Brda and Vipava valleys, this region is a mosaic of natural beauty and human endeavour
The programme of GO! 2025 is ambitious, inclusive and borderless in every sense. Over a thousand events are planned throughout the year, ranging from large-scale public spectacles and immersive art installations to intimate performances and cross-border collaborations. The cultural calendar embraces all forms of artistic expression – from music and visual arts to literature, theatre and film – with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and youth engagement.
At the heart of GO! 2025 is the desire to redefine the role of borders – not as barriers, but as places of meeting. The twin towns of Nova Gorica and Gorizia will act as a living laboratory for European integration, where the past is acknowledged, the present celebrated, and the future envisioned together. Special attention is given to the cultural and linguistic diversity of the area, reflecting the multilingual and multicultural identities that have long coexisted here.
A particularly symbolic project is the transformation of the former border strip into a space of encounter and creativity. This area – once marked by checkpoints and fences – will host the European Square, a new urban platform connecting the two city centres. The square will feature open-air exhibitions, concerts and participatory events designed to promote shared experiences and collective memory.
Over a thousand events are planned throughout the year, ranging from large-scale public spectacles and immersive art installations to intimate performances and cross-border collaborations
In addition to the flagship events, visitors are encouraged to explore the region beyond the city centres. The lush Brda hills, with their family-run wineries and rural charm, offer a taste of Slovenia’s finest hospitality. The Vipava Valley, known for its innovative winemakers and outdoor adventures, provides a perfect backdrop for cultural tourism. The Karst region, with its mysterious caves and distinctive stone architecture, tells stories of resilience and beauty shaped by nature and tradition.
GO! 2025 is not just a celebration of culture – it is a call for cooperation. By engaging local communities, cross-border institutions, artists, educators and citizens, this initiative seeks to leave a lasting legacy of openness and creativity. It is a timely reminder that even in a world marked by fragmentation and uncertainty, culture remains a powerful force for unity.
In this shared year as the European Capital of Culture, Nova Gorica and Gorizia invite you to cross borders – not just geographical ones, but those of the mind and heart
In this shared year as the European Capital of Culture, Nova Gorica and Gorizia invite you to cross borders – not just geographical ones, but those of the mind and heart. Discover a region where the past has not been erased, but embraced; where identities are layered, not isolated; and where the future is being built through collaboration, vision and art.
GO! 2025 is more than a title. It is a movement – borderless, bold and beautifully European.
