Discover Nova Gorica: Culture and Nature

Nova Gorica brings together themes that can shape a stay in different ways: the history of a cross-border region, museums and art, and natural attractions. When planning, you can decide whether you are most interested in exhibitions, Kostanjevica Monastery or paths through green spaces. Each place has its own particular focus.

Border history at Trg Evrope

Trg Evrope lies on both sides of the border: one half is in Slovenia and the other in Italy. The well-known mosaic remains at the center of the square. Lighting, fountains and connections for events are among its features; at the same time, the square can be used for a variety of purposes. It thus combines a distinctive geographic feature with a place that is also intended for events.

Museums exploring personal stories and changing borders

At EPICenter, Kolodvorska pot 10, the ground floor of the northern part of the building houses the permanent exhibition “Mesto na meji.” It explores the cross-border region and focuses on the personal stories of the people who live there. EPIC also has a modern conference hall with almost 200 seats and Café EPIC, which offers visitors a place to relax and socialise. The facilities may change; if you are planning specifically to use the hall or café, check the latest information in advance.

The “Na šverc!” exhibition in Pristava explores the history of smuggling in the Goriška area after the Second World War. It is located in the rooms of a former small border crossing. The exhibition includes an escape room that presents the topic in a playful way. The Kolodvor museum collection offers another perspective on the effects of changing borders: its exhibition documents the human impact of these changes in the Goriška area. The collection is housed in Nova Gorica railway station, the oldest public building in the city.

Mestna galerija Nova Gorica also has its own focus. It is recognised as a centre for contemporary visual arts in Slovenia. Its programme includes lectures on contemporary visual art practices, public exhibition tours and art workshops for children of different age groups. If you want to attend a specific tour or event, check the relevant dates in advance.

Kostanjevica: monastery, crypt and library

The entire Kostanjevica area, with its church, monastery, library and crypt, has been protected as a cultural and historical monument since 1985 and is part of Slovenia’s protected cultural heritage. This is distinct from the recognition awarded to the Franciscan Monastery of Kostanjevica: in 2024, it was declared a cultural monument of national importance. The monastery regularly offers expert presentations for visitors and the general public.

Charles X and five other members of the Bourbon family rest in the crypt. The Škrabec Library preserves more than 16,500 books and holds 32 incunabula. The grounds also include a collection of Bourbon roses, one of the world’s most complete and largest collections of old Bourbon roses. Together, these places show how different themes—heritage conservation, family history, books and garden culture—come together in Kostanjevica.

Enjoy nature: Rafut Park and Panovec

Rafut Park is considered unique natural and cultural heritage in Slovenia and Europe. A large collection of exotic plants thrives there. From Nova Gorica, the park can be reached via a path for cyclists and pedestrians along the railway line. As route information may change, check the route before planning your visit.

The forest nature trail in Panovec has 35 interpretive stations, 20 of which are on the shorter route. This route is also suitable for people with reduced mobility. The route may change, so it is worth checking before your visit. The forest is also home to the legally protected Italian agile frog, known there as “laška žaba.” Nature here ranges from the plants in Rafut Park to a protected animal in Panovec—without the two places offering the same experience.

A simple comparison can help you choose what to visit: Trg Evrope and the museums offer border history and personal stories; Kostanjevica brings together a cultural monument, crypt, library and rose collection; Rafut Park and Panovec offer different ways to experience nature. Plan your visit according to which of these themes matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Kojsko, Plave, Podsabotin, Solkan, Šempas, Kambreško, Branik, Sela Na Krasu

For the main travel overview: Nova Gorica.