Renovation of Europe Square and the Vrtača Railway Underpass

Join us for a guided architectural walk connecting two key urban projects in the cross-border space between Nova Gorica and Gorizia: the renovated Europe Square and Fabianij’s Trident, and the new Vrtača underpass.

The tour will begin at Europe Square, where architect Boštjan Vuga will present the spatial strategy for the border area, developed by Sadar+Vuga architects for the Municipality of Nova Gorica as part of preparations for the European Capital of Culture 2025. The strategy reimagines a space that, due to historical division between two countries, lost its core function as a vibrant public square and social connector.

We will then hear from architect Robert Potokar of Ravnikar Potokar architects, who will present the renovation of Europe Square and Fabianij’s Trident. The design concept connects two key urban axes that intersect in the square: the east–west axis linking the two cities, and the north–south axis opening toward the green border zone and park. This intervention marks an important step in the revitalisation of an area where architecture brings past and future together.

Our walk will continue to the Vrtača underpass, also designed as part of the ECoC GO! 2025 strategy. The project is a key infrastructural and symbolic link between Nova Gorica and Gorizia. It involved the renovation of the railway station and a major reduction of tracks — from 17 to just 6 — which made space for a new pedestrian underpass. The design of two sunken squares (vrtače) blends infrastructure with high-quality public space, offering a contemporary urban experience that connects the two cities.

The walk will conclude at the underpass, with a presentation of the project and its role in the broader vision of cross-border urban integration.