E for Europe—On the paths of Europe

In the European Capital of Culture 2025 Nova Gorica - Gorizia, the final stages of the E for Europe project conclude with two days of guided explorations and a performance celebrating Europe and the Gorizia area.

On 1 September, the day will be led by Andrea Bellavite, author of the book Gorizia Nova Gorica. Connected Cities (Ediciclo Editore), which takes the reader on a journey through stories, architecture, languages, and memories.

On 2 September, participants will be guided by Evelin Bizjak, an expert on the border between Gorizia and Nova Gorica. They will follow a circular route along the border, exploring stories of boundaries, resistance, and resilience, visiting symbolic places such as Rafut Park, Kostanjevica Monastery, and Europe Square, while discovering hidden corners and cultural treasures that tell the story of the two cities.

At the end of the walk, around 20:30, the organizers will offer a toast to celebrate the shared gathering. The evening will continue with the performance On the Paths of Europe at the EPICenter. The work, written and performed by Mattia Cason and Alessandro Conte, with the participation of Syrian poet and writer Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mun’im, intertwines contemporary testimonies, mythology, and historical memory. The text of the Syrian author, a refugee in Slovenia, merges with that of an anonymous Arab author from the 15th century, recounting the adventures of Alexander the Great in a theatrical, dance, and film narrative that invites reflection on the central role of migration in European history and on the building of a more inclusive and supportive community.

The event in Nova Gorica and Gorizia has a special significance: the border that divided the two cities for decades was never a real "Iron Curtain." The memory of those who crossed it and turned it into a place of encounter—despite divisions and separations—will be evoked during the walk and will resonate in the performance.

Participation in the guided walk is free of charge, but reservation is required at +39 328 1547471.

The project, promoted by the cultural association vicino/lontano and the social promotion association Get Up, is carried out in collaboration with ZRC SAZU, Bottega Errante, Walk of Peace Foundation, Centro Studi Študijski Center Nediža, Radio Onde Furlane, En-Knap Ljubljana, and Lendhauer-Verein zur Belebung del Lendkanals, with the support of GO! 2025 and the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

E for Europe will also take place on 29 and 31 August. You are warmly invited.

Photo: Metod Blejec