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Ralf Steinberger, Krzysztof Golik, Eleassar


Annually for the last 40 years, the cultural poobahs of the European Union have designated one or more of the continent's cities (and as of 2022 it's been three rather than two), as Capitals of Culture, focusing on their own cultural offerings and allowing them to organize a series of wider cultural events (many with a strong pan-European dimension) - which bring in considerable additional revenue; foster urban renewal; and raise their international profiles and images. Since the first was Athens (then Greek minister of culture Melina Mercouri was a driving force behind the program) most of the better-known cities have already had their years in the sun, and recent ECoCs have been more under the radar. That's certainly true of this year's trio. Here's a quick look:

Chemnitz, Germany https://visitsaxony.com/chemnitz2025

Founded in the early 12th century, this city of nearly 249,000 in the eastern German state of Saxony (and hour from Leipzig and just 50 minutes from Dresden) offers a mix of industrial heritage, modern art, and natural beauty. Dubbed the "City of Modernity" as well as “the Saxon Manchester,” Chemnitz showcases impressive architecture, museums, and green spaces that reflect its rich history and cultural evolution.

One of the city´s most iconic landmarks is the 54-year-old Karl Marx Monument, a towering bronze sculpture of the philosopher’s head (and by the way, the world´s second largest bust), affectionately dubbed “Nischel” by locals after the Saxon dialect word for noggin – remember, this city was part of the GDR (Communist East Germany) from 1949 to 1990, and for 37 of those years was even named Karl-Marx Stadt.

Art mavens will appreciate the Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz (Chemnitz Art Collections), home to an impressive array of modern and contemporary works. The Museum Gunzenhauser also stands out, featuring an extensive collection of modernist works, including pieces by Otto Dix and Alexej von Jawlensky. For those interested in history, the Industrie Museum Chemnitz offers fascinating insights into the city’s industrial roots, showcasing machinery, textiles, and innovations from the region’s manufacturing heyday, while architecture lovers should visit the Schlossberg Museum, set in a former Benedictine monastery. It offers a blend of medieval architecture and local history exhibitions. Nearby, the beautifully reconstructed Red Tower (Roter Turm) is one of the city’s oldest landmarks, dating back to the 12th century. Nature enthusiasts can unwind in the Küchwald Park or explore the scenic beauty of the nearby Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge), especially enchanting during the winter months. And finally, the Chemnitz Opera and various theaters offer vibrant cultural performances, reflecting the city's creative spirit. Together, these attractions highlight Chemnitz as a dynamic destination where history, art, and modern innovation converge.

And all the above provides a solid base indeed for the city´s ambitious Chemnitz 2025 ECOC program, under the motto “C the Unseen,” aiming to unveil hidden cultural treasures and narratives. It involves some 200 projects and 1,000 events, with key themes and highlights including:

Makers: This theme fosters collaboration between artists, entrepreneurs, and the community. Flagship projects like "Makers, Business, and Arts" establish nine “Makerhubs” across the region, revitalizing spaces for creative and social engagement.

Purple Path: An extensive art and sculpture trail connecting Chemnitz with its partner municipalities, featuring works by international and local artists. The trail narrates regional stories, emphasizing the shared industrial and cultural heritage.

Eastern State of Mind: This delves into the Eastern European mentality, for example transforming some 3,000 GDR-era garages into interactive spaces and creativity hubs, reflecting the city's unique character.

Living Neighbourhood: A community-driven project planting up to 4,000 apple trees, symbolizing growth and unity as well as of course enhancing green spaces throughout the region.

Gorizia, Italy and Nova Gorica, Slovenia

Because they´re right across the border from each other – and indeed, in many ways effectively a transnational region of their own since 2011 – these two cities have become the first joint European Capitals of Culture in the program´s history. So let´s unpack them both:

Gorizia

Located at the foot of the Julian Alps in Italy´s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region about 45 minutes from Trieste, Gorizia has a population of just over 33,000 and is rich in history dating back to the year 1000, as well as scenic beauty and a unique blend of Italian, Slovenian, and Austro-Hungarian influences dating back to its long tenure as part of the Habsburg empire.

The Piazza della Victoria (Victory Square) is the hub of the old town, and must-visit historical landmarks include Gorizia Castle, a medieval fortress perched on a hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes and a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits detailing the region’s medieval and Renaissance history; the small Duomo di Gorizia (cathedral), dating back to at least the 14th century but unfortunately sporting a rather unexceptional neoclassical 19th-century façade; the medieval (and climbable) Sant´Ambrogio belltower; the also elegant 16th-century Coronini Cronberg Palace, which showcases aristocratic life with its refined architecture and houses an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from the 15th to 20th centuries; and the lavish 18th-century Palazzo Attems-Petzenstein, home to the provincial art museum..And of course also check out the unique Piazza della Transalpina, shared by Gorizia and Nova Gorica - the border line runs right across it - as a symbol of unity and cooperation between Italy and Slovenia (see more about it below), showcasing a mix of handsome Italian and Slovenian architecture. Also for history buffs, the Museo della Grande Guerra (Museum of the Great War) offers insights into World War I, highlighting the town´s strategic importance during the conflict. And nature lovers can enjoy peaceful walks along the Isonzo River and explore the Parco Piuma, a green oasis ideal for relaxation.

Nova Gorica

By contrast, this town of around 13,000 was established only in 1947, after World War II, when a border was established between Gorizia and its outlying districts, which were ceded to Yugoslavia. And it´s developed into a vibrant modern city which nonetheless retains a number of historic landmarks well worth a visit. They include the Renaissance Kromberk Castle, with richly adorned interiors and home to the Goriška Museum, of regional history and culture; the early-17th-century Franciscan Kostanjevica Monastery, which among other things houses a beautiful library and the tomb of the last Bourbon king of France. And of course one of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Europe Square (Trg Evrope), a symbolic space that connects Slovenia and Italy, representing cross-border unity. You can also explore the area's rich history and culture at the Nova Gorica Regional Museum.As for bars and restaurants, apart from a thriving local scene, the modern Park Casino & Hotel is a major hub. And finally, nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Triglav National Park or the Vipava Valley, renowned for its scenic vineyards and wine-tasting tours. The city’s close proximity to the Julian Alps also makes it an ideal base for outdoor adventures like hiking and rafting.

Go! 2025

Their joint ECOC program, entitled "GO! Borderless," aims to transcend physical and cultural boundaries, fostering unity and collaboration across borders, with more than 400 events throughout the year, including exhibitions, concerts and other performances, and workshops, especially centered on the ECoC District, a revitalized area along the former border.

Key themes include War and Peace, which delves into the region's complex history, reflecting on the impacts of conflict and the journey towards harmony, and among its notable projects are the EPIC (European Platform for Interpretation of the 20th Century), a participatory space dedicated to understanding 20th-century history, and the "Mušič – Landscapes of the Body" exhibition, exploring the works of artist Zoran Mušič.The Creation of the New focuses on innovation and forward-thinking, this theme features projects like Dodecalogy 1972–1983, a documentary exploring Nova Gorica's connections with other European cities, and the Biennale of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean, showcasing emerging talents. Smugglers highlights the region's historical narratives of clandestine trade and cultural exchange, with experiences such as exploring smuggler trails that traverse the border, offering insights into the area's past. And Very Green emphasizes sustainability and environmental consciousness, with initiatives promoting eco-friendly practices and the celebration of the region's natural beauty. Several highlights include the March for Europe (May 1–9), a cross-border event transforming former checkpoints into art installations, celebrating unity and the European spirit; Tastes without Borders (September 26–28), a culinary festival offering a feast of gourmet delights, highlighting the region's rich gastronomic traditions; and a a spectacular closing ceremony (December 1–3) featuring light installations illuminating both cities, symbolizing a bright, unified future.

And to read about past ECoCs, check out these posts:

Bad Ischl, Bodø, and Tartu (2024)
Elefsina, Timişoara and Veszprém (2023)
Kaunas, Novi Sad and Esch-sur-Alzett (2022)
Rijeka, Croatia (2020)
Matera, Italy (2019)
Plovdiv, Bulgaria (2019)
Aarhus, Denark (2017)