European Capital of Culture highlights cross-border cities
Felicity Long
One of the best things about the European Capital of Culture designation, which is awarded every year by the EU, is that it often shines a light on lesser-known cities and regions on the Continent.
The program kicked off in 1985 and was the brainchild of Greek and French ministries of culture, with the aim of showcasing the diversity and richness of the EU member states.
Along with attendant publicity, being chosen a European Capital of Culture is an opportunity for second-tier destinations to ramp up their cultural offerings, which in turn can translate into increased tourism and economic benefits.
More than one city can be chosen in any given year, and 2025's recipients are Chemnitz, Germany, and a joint bid by Nova Gorica, Slovenia, and Gorizia, Italy.
(As a side note and in case you're wondering, U.K. cities are no longer eligible ever since Brexit.)
History buffs will note that Nova Gorica and Gorizia used to be a single city until 1947, when the Allies redrew the European map, designating Gorizia to be part of Italy and Nova Gorica part of the then Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
In short, one city — two countries.
Fast-forward to 2004 when Slovenia entered the EU, travel between the two countries was once again free, and Nova Gorica — the less developed of the two cities — began to come into its own.
It's against this historical backdrop that the joint European Capital of Culture 2025 award takes on added significance.
All that said, what can visitors do and see in Nova Gorica?
War and peace in Nova Gorica
Unlike its sister city in Italy, which boasts the medieval charm North Americans often look for in Europe, Nova Gorica is more modern-looking but offers a wealth of outdoor activities for adventurous travelers as well as sites that highlight the twin themes of war and peace.
The summit of Sabotin, for example, which connects the Vipava Valley, Brda, and the Soca Valley and is accessible by bike or on foot, is an area steeped in World War I history. Sabotin was a former border post and now features caverns, trenches and the Park of Peace. The Park is a stop on the Walk of Peace, a cross-border trail that preserves WWI heritage by wending through battle sites, cemeteries, ossuaries and open-air museums.
Along the way, hikers and cyclists will also experience the beauty of the Julian Alps, Brda, the Karst and the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
Sveta Gora, a scenic spot and pilgrimage site, also bears the traces of the Great War, with preserved caverns and trenches, as well as a Franciscan monastery and basilica.
Cerje, another key stop along the Walk of Peace, features the Monument of Peace, which houses historical artifacts, and scenic views of the Vipava Valley and the Karst Plateau.
Watersports and lake walks
Too hot for hiking and biking? Nova Gorica also offers watersports on its lakes and rivers.
Try stand-up paddleboarding on the Vipava River, for example, on your own or with a tour that can also include sightseeing and wine tastings.
Or opt for a super-charged kayak experience on the Soca River via at the Solkan Kayak Center.
If all this sounds a little too strenuous, you can spend an afternoon strolling along an easy trail at Most na Soci. The lake itself is artificial, but the scenery is real.
For more, download the GO! 2025 web app or the BuleAR app.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
2 hours ago
Earthquakes damage centuries-old monasteries in a secluded religious community in Greece
THESSALONIKI, Greece -- Centuries-old monasteries have been damaged by an ongoing series of earthquakes in a secluded monastic community in northern Greece, authorities said Friday. A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck the Mount Athos peninsula on June 7, followed by a series of both undersea and land-based tremors that continued through Friday. The quakes caused 'severe cracks' in the dome of the Monastery of Xenophon, which was built in the late 10th century, and damaged religious frescoes at that site and several others, the Culture Ministry said. Mount Athos is one of the most important religious sites for Orthodox Christians, and is often referred to as the Holy Mountain. It is a semi-autonomous monastic republic and is home to 20 Orthodox monasteries. The self-governing community still observes strict traditions under Greek sovereignty, including a ban on all women entering the territory. 'We are fully aware of the immense archaeological, historical, and spiritual significance of Mount Athos, and we are ensuring that all damage is addressed according to scientific and ethical standards,' Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said. The restoration work — including structural reinforcement and the repair of artwork — will be expanded and accelerated, Mendoni added. A more detailed assessment of the damage is expected next week, the Culture Ministry said.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Earthquakes damage centuries-old monasteries in a secluded religious community in Greece
THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Centuries-old monasteries have been damaged by an ongoing series of earthquakes in a secluded monastic community in northern Greece, authorities said Friday. A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck the Mount Athos peninsula on June 7, followed by a series of both undersea and land-based tremors that continued through Friday. The quakes caused 'severe cracks' in the dome of the Monastery of Xenophon, which was built in the late 10th century, and damaged religious frescoes at that site and several others, the Culture Ministry said. Mount Athos is one of the most important religious sites for Orthodox Christians, and is often referred to as the Holy Mountain. It is a semi-autonomous monastic republic and is home to 20 Orthodox monasteries. The self-governing community still observes strict traditions under Greek sovereignty, including a ban on all women entering the territory. 'We are fully aware of the immense archaeological, historical, and spiritual significance of Mount Athos, and we are ensuring that all damage is addressed according to scientific and ethical standards,' Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said. The restoration work — including structural reinforcement and the repair of artwork — will be expanded and accelerated, Mendoni added. A more detailed assessment of the damage is expected next week, the Culture Ministry said.
San Francisco Chronicle
2 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Earthquakes damage centuries-old monasteries in a secluded religious community in Greece
THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Centuries-old monasteries have been damaged by an ongoing series of earthquakes in a secluded monastic community in northern Greece, authorities said Friday. A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck the Mount Athos peninsula on June 7, followed by a series of both undersea and land-based tremors that continued through Friday. The quakes caused 'severe cracks' in the dome of the Monastery of Xenophon, which was built in the late 10th century, and damaged religious frescoes at that site and several others, the Culture Ministry said. Mount Athos is one of the most important religious sites for Orthodox Christians, and is often referred to as the Holy Mountain. It is a semi-autonomous monastic republic and is home to 20 Orthodox monasteries. The self-governing community still observes strict traditions under Greek sovereignty, including a ban on all women entering the territory. 'We are fully aware of the immense archaeological, historical, and spiritual significance of Mount Athos, and we are ensuring that all damage is addressed according to scientific and ethical standards,' Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said.
