Nova Gorica: Slovenia's Vibrant Crossroads of Culture and Nature

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeNasvidenje
  [Nahs-vee-dehn-yeh]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeProsim
  [Proh-seem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryOprosti
  [Oh-proh-stee]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see?]
• Fine. And you?V redu. Ti?
  [V reh-doo. Tee?]
• Do you speak English?Govoriš angleško?
  [Goh-voh-reesh ahn-gleh-shkoh?]
• I don't understandNe razumem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mehm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseRad bi videl jedilnik, prosim
  [Raad bee vee-del yeh-deel-neek, proh-seem]
• I don't eat meatNe jem mesa
  [Neh yehm meh-sah]
• Cheers!Na zdravje!
  [Nah zdrahv-yeh!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseRad bi plačal, prosim
  [Raad bee plah-chahl, proh-seem]

• Help!Pomoč!
  [Poh-mohch!]
• Go away!Pojdi stran!
  [Poy-dee strahn!]
• Call the Police!Pokliči policijo!
  [Poh-klee-chee poh-lee-tsee-yoh!]
• Call a doctor!Pokliči zdravnika!
  [Poh-klee-chee zdrahv-nee-kah!]
• I'm lostIzgubil sem se
  [Eez-goo-beel sehm seh]
• I'm illBolam
  [Boh-lahm]

• I'd like to buy...Rad bi kupil...
  [Raad bee koo-peel...]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko stane?
  [Koh-lee-koh stah-neh?]
• That's too expensiveTo je predrago
  [Toh yeh preh-drah-goh]
• Can you lower the price?Lahko znižate ceno?
  [Lah-koh znee-zah-teh tseh-noh?]

• What time is it?Koliko je ura?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh oo-rah?]
• It's one o'clockJe ena ura
  [Yeh eh-nah oo-rah]
• Half past (10)Pol desetih
  [Pohl deh-seh-teeh]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopoldne
  [Poh-pohl-dneh]
• EveningVečer
  [Veh-chehr]
• YesterdayVčeraj
  [Vcheh-rye]
• TodayDanes
  [Dah-nes]
• TomorrowJutri
  [Yoo-tree]
• 1Ena
  [Eh-nah]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Štiri
  [Shtee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedem
  [Seh-dehm]
• 8Osem
  [Oh-sehm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Kje je...
  [Kyeh yeh...]
• What's the address?Kakšen je naslov?
  [Kahk-shen yeh nahs-lohv?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mi lahko pokažete (na zemljevidu)?
  [Mee lah-koh poh-kah-zheh-teh (nah zehm-lyeh-vee-doo)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kdaj je naslednji (avtobus)?
  [Kdyeh yeh nah-slehd-nyee (ow-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Vstopnica (za ....)
  [Vstohp-nee-tsah (zah ...)]

Nova Gorica, meaning 'New Gorizia,' was established in 1947 after the Paris Peace Treaty, which redrew the borders between Italy and Yugoslavia. The town was created to replace Gorizia, which was ceded to Italy, and to accommodate the Slovene population that found itself on the Yugoslav side of the border.

The Paris Peace Treaty of 1947 was a significant turning point for the region. It resulted in the division of the city of Gorizia, with the new border running right through it. This led to the creation of Nova Gorica as a counterpart to the Italian Gorizia, redefining the geopolitical landscape of the area.

During the socialist era of Yugoslavia, Nova Gorica became an important economic and cultural hub. Industrial development and the establishment of educational institutions, including the University of Nova Gorica, spurred growth. The town's strategic location near the border also facilitated trade and cross-cultural exchanges.

Nova Gorica is renowned for its modernist architecture, a testament to its post-war construction. Prominent architects like Edvard Ravnikar played a crucial role in shaping the city's urban landscape. The design reflects the socialist ideals of the time, emphasizing functionality and communal living spaces.

With Slovenia's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, Nova Gorica experienced significant transformations. The town benefited from Slovenia's subsequent accession to the European Union in 2004, which enhanced cross-border cooperation and economic opportunities with Gorizia and other neighboring regions.

Nova Gorica hosts several cultural festivals that celebrate its rich heritage. The 'Mesto Mladih' or 'City of Youth' festival is a notable event that showcases local music, art, and cuisine. Traditional Slovenian customs are also preserved and celebrated, reflecting the town's deep cultural roots.

Religion has played a significant role in the history of Nova Gorica. The town is home to several important religious sites, including the Kostanjevica Monastery, which houses the tombs of the last members of the French royal family, the Bourbons. These sites attract pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike.

The Velvet Revolution of the late 1980s and early 1990s had profound effects on Nova Gorica. The peaceful transition from a socialist state to a democratic republic brought about significant political and social changes. The newfound freedom encouraged greater cultural expression and economic reforms.

Nova Gorica can be easily accessed by various means of transportation. The nearest international airport is Trieste Airport in Italy, around 35 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi, bus, or rent a car to reach Nova Gorica. Alternatively, Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport in Slovenia is about 130 kilometers away and offers more flight options. Trains and buses also connect Nova Gorica with major Slovenian cities and neighboring countries, making it a convenient destination for travelers.

Once in Nova Gorica, getting around is straightforward. The city has a reliable public transportation system, including buses that cover most areas. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Renting a car is also an option, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding regions. For shorter distances, walking or cycling is a pleasant way to navigate the city, given its pedestrian-friendly streets and numerous bike paths.

The official currency in Slovenia is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout Nova Gorica, ensuring easy access to cash. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or market purchases, as they may not accept cards.

Nova Gorica is generally a safe city for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any travel destination, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Nova Gorica has a well-equipped hospital and several clinics for medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The local police are helpful and can be contacted at the emergency number for assistance with safety concerns.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. While there is no strict dress code, avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do be respectful of local customs and traditions. When entering a church, it is polite to be quiet and dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a nod. A friendly 'Dober dan' (Good day) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Nova Gorica like a local, visit the local markets and try fresh produce and traditional Slovenian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful Solkan Bridge, the longest stone-arch bridge in the world. For a unique experience, visit the nearby Gorizia Castle just across the Italian border, or take a leisurely walk along the emerald green Soča River.