Gorizia

Gorizia is a city in the northeastern part of Italy, situated in the Friuli‑Venezia Giulia region on the Isonzo River, near the border with Slovenia. As the administrative centre of the province of Gorizia, it had a population of roughly 35 000 inhabitants in the early 2020s. The city occupies a strategic position at the crossroads of Italian, Slovene and Central European cultures, a feature reflected in its bilingual heritage and mixed architectural styles.

Founded in the Middle Ages, Gorizia grew around a medieval castle that became the seat of the autonomous County of Gorizia. Throughout the centuries the city changed hands among the Habsburgs, the Republic of Venice and the Kingdom of Italy, each leaving a distinct imprint on its urban fabric. After World War I the Treaty of Rapallo assigned Gorizia to Italy, while the adjacent area of Nova Gorica was created on the Yugoslav (now Slovenian) side of the border after World War II. The two towns remain closely linked, sharing cross‑border initiatives and a cooperative cultural scene.

Key landmarks include the Gorizia Castle, now a municipal museum, the Baroque Church of the Annunciation, and the historic Jewish quarter. The city’s economy is diversified, with services, tourism, and light manufacturing playing significant roles. Its proximity to the ports of Trieste and the Alpine passes facilitates trade and logistics. Gorizia hosts several universities and research institutes, contributing to a vibrant academic community. Annual events such as the International Street Art Festival and the Gorizia Literary Days underscore its commitment to cultural exchange and contemporary creativity.