GORIZIA THE CITY OF NICKNAMES 

​

 

GORIZIA, THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE IN 2025

.

Gorizia, together with its neighbour city Nova Gorica in Slovenia, have been chosen to become the European Capital of Culture for the year 2025. The first time two cities in two different countries have been assigned this joint role. 

Lot's of preparations are going on in the city right now to make everything ready for that big year! Restaurantion works, creating events and exhibitions, building new cycling and walking trails and much more! 

 

THE ITALIAN BERLIN

​

Gorizia was part of the Austrian Empire for almost ten centuries until the end of World War One in 1918. The tragic events related to the Great War but especially World War Two eventually ensured that the city was divided into two parts by a big wall, just like in Berlin. The Yugoslavian (now Slovenian) part was called Nova Gorica and became a very modern city, whereby the Italian Gorizia was and still is, the historical city. 

 

This wall became one of the symbols of the political-ideological separation between Western and Eastern Europe during the years of the Cold War.

It was only torn down in 2004 when Slovenia entered the European Community. It is therefore unique that both cities together will represent the European Capital of Culture in 2025. 

The Transalpina Square where once this wall ran through, is now the only square in the world where you can stand simultaneously with your feet in two different countries. One in Italy and the other in Slovenia. Certainly worth trying! 

However, the Italian Berlin is not the only nickname the city has. 

 

THE AUSTRIAN NICE

 

Gorizia represents a city where Italian, Austrian but also Eastern Europe traditions melt together becoming the perfect Mitteleuropa city. This can be seen in the architecture but also in the local dishes of the traditional trattoria. 

Gorizia overlooks the waters of the Isonzo river and was a privileged place for the holidays of the Austrian nobility who appreciated the mild climate, the beautiful gardens and the proximity of the sea calling it "the Austrian Nice". 

​

Throughout the city, there are many monuments and places of historical and artistic interest that are worth visiting, such as the main square 'Piazza della Vittoria'. On this square stands the church of Sant’Ignazio, an imposing baroque structure built by the Jesuits who were present in Gorizia since the early 17th century. Nearby the main square you can visit the Palazzo Attems - Petzenstein that houses a prestigious Art Gallery.

 

THE CURSED CITY

​

Gorizia is built around a hill with on top of it a magnificent medieval castle. The castle and big part of the historical city have been completely restored after the Great War, during which the city was heavily bombed and damaged first by Italian and later by Austrian forces. 

Therefor it's also called 'la città maledetta - the cursed city, because its liberation has cost thousands of human lives.

​

Also on top of the hill you will find the War Museum with objects, arms and uniforms remembering this Great War. Next to it there is the Fashion Museum since once there was a big silk industry in Gorizia. 

 

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

​

Locals sometimes call Gorizia 'the sleeping beauty'. The glorious Austrian time seems to have literally stood still here. It's a bit of a dreamy provincial town but with a beautiful location, green parks and as I said some very interesting historical villa's that are completely furnished with antique furniture from the 19th century, such as Palazzo Coronini Cronberg and Palazzo Lantieri. 

​

BOOK A GUIDED TOUR IN GORIZIA

 

A visit to Friuli Venezia Giulia is not complete without a visit to Gorizia!

Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to book a guided tour. I will be happy to show you around and tell you much more about Gorizia. Clicking on the purple button more details appear of what you will see during the guided tour and the rates.