Nova Gorica 2025.: European Capital of Culture 2025 and the Beauties of Vipava Valley

Nova Gorica, situated on Slovenia’s western border, is the youngest city of our neighbours, built in the 1950s as an urban settlement following the post-war decision that Gorizia would become part of Italy in 1947. Blending history and modernity, Nova Gorica, together with Ajdovščina, now stands as a key cultural and economic centre of the Vipava Valley region. With its rich infrastructure and diverse offerings for visitors, it represents a unique ‘invisible bridge’ between the cultures and peoples of two European nations – a symbol of cooperation and unity.

Holding the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture 2025, Nova Gorica – Gorizia, under the slogan GO BORDERLESS, will be the first cross-border European Capital of Culture. This recognition gives Nova Gorica a distinctive profile and an exceptional opportunity to enhance its cultural and artistic scene.

One of the main cultural hubs is the EPI Centre (European Platform for the Interpretation of the 20th Century) – a modern creative space filled with activities, exhibitions and workshops that encourage dialogue among citizens, artists and visitors from across Europe. As this special year draws to a close, Nova Gorica continues to invite visitors to numerous events this autumn. Following a beautiful fashion show by Benedetti Life, held on 13 September under the starry sky in front of the City Hall, other experiences blending taste, scent and sound have brought people from both sides of the border together – including the long-running Gusti di Frontiera festival, which for almost two decades has celebrated the borderless flavours of the region. This year, the event expanded into Slovenia under the title Bezmejni okusi (Boundless Flavours). Alongside the exhibition of Zoran Mušič – the most prominent artist of this area – October begins with new attractions that will make you want to pack your bags and head for Nova Gorica.

The first weekend of October is marked by the R.o.R Festival of Contemporary Art, titled ELEMENTS. Conceived as a trilogy dedicated to the cosmos – after Moon in 2023 and Mars in 2024 – this year’s focus is on Earth, our shared home. Upcoming events include Pixxelpoint (the international festival of contemporary artistic practices), the Poklon vizija film festival (7–12 October), Visavi, a dance festival (9–19 October), and BETRIB, the industrial heritage festival in Idrija (17–19 October). The year will culminate in a final ceremony on 5 December, when Nova Gorica will symbolically hand over the title to the European Capital of Culture for 2026.

The Europe Square in Nova Gorica is a true space of meeting and multicultural communication, uniquely positioned right next to the Italian border with Gorizia. Though political, this border has never hindered artistic and cultural connection. One such story inspired the Vipava Valley Tourist Board to design a creative and entertaining programme that unites the two Goricas into one delightful narrative. So, as you stand on Europe Square, don’t be surprised if you’re asked – “Are you up for a bit of smuggling?”

The Smuggling Tour in Nova Gorica offers a unique and playful experience that takes you back to the time when the twin cities were divided by the border between Italy and the former Yugoslavia. Locals used to smuggle various goods in both directions – Slovenians carried homemade sausages, cheese and eggs, while Italians brought jeans, coffee, jewellery and electronics. This created unforgettable memories of life along the border. The guided tour starts on Europe Square, a pedestrian area that joins – and once separated – Nova Gorica and Gorizia, symbolising both division and unity.

During the two-hour walk, participants cross the border several times, reenacting the smuggling of goods in small groups to avoid “detection”. The adventure ends with a mock customs inspection, after which the “smugglers” visit the Smuggling Museum, where original items once trafficked across the border are displayed – sure to make you smile. The tour is available in Slovenian, English and Italian, and reservations can be made online.

If you wish to spend an entire weekend in Nova Gorica, be sure to explore the wider destination – the natural beauty of the Vipava Valley. Located in southwestern Slovenia, the region is known for its many tourist and natural attractions, fertile hillsides covered with vineyards, charming villages, rich cultural and historical heritage, and landscapes reminiscent of Italy’s Tuscany. Throughout November and December, the area celebrates Open Wine Cellar Month, when traditional wine cellars (kleti) open their doors for visitors to meet winemakers and taste both young and aged wines.

A perfect base for such a fulfilling weekend is the picturesque village of Planina (near Ajdovščina), admired for its tranquillity, natural beauty and stunning views of the valley. Stay at Wellba Homestead Planina Apartments, partly housed within a former monastery, lovingly transformed by hosts Tereza and Marko into a beautiful retreat. From here, you can explore the destination by bike or on foot, or simply drive through the scenic surroundings. Just a few streets away, nestled among green hills and vineyards, is the Guerila Winery, notable for its 20 hectares of biodynamic vineyards. Their philosophy centres on reconnecting with nature and crafting sustainable wines that reflect the terroir and authenticity of the region. Tastings, often led by owner Zmagoslav Petrič himself, offer not only pleasure for the palate but also an inspiring story of viticulture rooted in respect for nature and tradition.

Nova Gorica and the Vipava Valley are linked by natural, cultural and infrastructural ties within a 40-kilometre radius, making them ideal for a combined visit. The drive between the two destinations takes only 30 to 40 minutes along roads winding through picturesque scenery, vineyards and rolling hills. This proximity allows the urban and cultural energy of Nova Gorica, on Slovenia’s western border, to be seamlessly combined with the natural riches and rural charm of the Vipava Valley. Start your day exploring Nova Gorica’s cultural landmarks and attractions, then head into the Vipava Valley for a culinary journey – including a visit to Gostilna Žeja, a restaurant renowned for its seafood specialities (a rarity in this region) and for its creative takes on traditional local flavours.

Photos: Nikola Zoko i promo