by InTrieste
Italy and Slovenia on Monday unveiled a joint postage stamp honoring Gorizia and Nova Gorica, twin towns straddling the border between the two countries and designated as European Capital of Culture for 2025.
The stamp, part of Italy’s “Excellences of Cultural Heritage” series, was presented during a ceremony at Gorizia’s City Hall. It was issued in collaboration with the Slovenian government and is among the cultural initiatives supported by Italy’s Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy to highlight the country’s cultural assets.
The unveiling coincided with “Contea,” a three-day cultural event organized by the Municipality of Gorizia to commemorate the founding of the County of Gorizia. The region was first officially mentioned in a document dated April 28, 1001, when Holy Roman Emperor Otto III donated the local castle and the settlement—then called Gorica—to regional authorities.
“This stamp is not just a philatelic object but a symbol of our ability to transform the scars of the past into opportunities for the future,” said Mauro Bordin, president of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Council. He described the issue as a “valuable ambassador” for the twin cities across Europe and the world.
Bordin emphasized that the European Capital of Culture designation offers a powerful message of peace at a time of global conflict, underscoring the role of culture in fostering unity and dialogue.
The GO!2025 program, which includes hundreds of events throughout the year, aims to showcase the cultural and historical significance of this cross-border region and its growing role in the European cultural landscape.
