Kromberk
The town of Kromberk takes its name from the castle (see photo on the right), once owned by the Coronini family. Today, the castle contains the main exhibition space of the Goriški muzej, while the Glasbe sveta (Musics of the World Festival) enlivens the park in front during the summer months (p. 148). The castle also hosts the civil registry office, making it a popular venue for weddings and other special occasions.
The Church of the Virgin Mary dates back to the mid-19th century. Severely damaged during the Soča Front, it was rebuilt in 1926, most likely to the designs of Maks Fabiani (p. 100). The church was once home to Vinko Vodopivec (1878–1952), a priest, composer, choir conductor, editor, writer, and national revivalist. A year after his death, the new Primorska Academic Choir was named in his honour and is still active today.
Another notable feature of the town is the Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity in the local cemetery, which is now used by the Orthodox community and has been adapted accordingly. It also serves as the seat of the local Orthodox parish.
When Nova Gorica was founded, an industrial zone was established adjacent to the town, with the largest portion occupied by the Meblo furniture factory (p. 138) and a significant share by MIP – Mesna industrija Primorske (Primorska Meat Industry), best known for its mortadella. After Slovenia’s independence, these large companies gradually collapsed due to failed restructuring, greed, and poor leadership. Today, the former Meblo area is home to smaller businesses, the Mercator shopping centre, and the Magma entertainment centre, which includes a bowling alley and a spacious restaurant.
Tactile Gallery (Mercator Centre, Industrijska cesta 6)
Art Beyond the Visible is Slovenia's first tactile gallery. What is usually forbidden in galleries is here the central part of the experience. Designed for blind and visually impaired visitors, it presents replicas of famous works of art that can be touched. The Goriški muzej prepared the exhibition as part of the ECoC.
Avtor: Blaž Kosovel
Kraj: Kromberk