Collaboration Between Nova Gorica and Paris's Saint-Denis Amid the Olympic Games

In addition to the sports activities, Paris is also marked by cultural events during these weeks. Since January, various venues have been hosting events as part of the so-called "Cultural Olympiad," which will conclude in September.

The desire or determination to overcome borders or differences also drives Nova Gorica as the next European Capital of Culture. Cultural heritage has long connected Slovenia with France, the host of this year's Olympic Games, where Slovenian artists and other cultural creators have always been eager to present their work.

The Parisian municipality of Saint-Denis, like Nova Gorica in cooperation with neighbouring Italian Gorizia, also vied for the honour of becoming a European Capital of Culture, but unlike Nova Gorica, it was not successful. However, the Olympic Games this year bring a historic milestone for both municipalities, as they are now committed to cooperation and joint projects, particularly in culture and tourism.

Nova Gorica and Paris's Saint-Denis share a unique connection: the last French king, Charles X, is buried in the tomb at the Franciscan Monastery in Kostanjevica, Nova Gorica, while other French kings and queens rest in the basilica in Saint-Denis, Paris.

The mayors signed a cooperation agreement at the city hall in Saint-Denis, which both sides hope will increase interest in visiting both locations and exploring their most significant landmarks. In Nova Gorica, efforts are underway to have the Franciscan Monastery at Kostanjevica recognized as a monument of national importance.

Samo Turel, Mayor of Nova Gorica, emphasized that the agreement aims to strengthen relations not only between the two municipalities but also to ensure the exchange of best practices among NGOs, associations, and individuals. "We hope to collaborate in tourism as well and attract more French tourists to Nova Gorica next year when we will be the European Capital of Culture and in the years to come," he added.

The two municipalities have been discussing joint cooperation for some time, especially since both entered the race to become the European Capital of Culture, albeit in different periods. Although Saint-Denis did not secure the honorary title for 2028, it never abandoned its determination to deepen its collaboration with Nova Gorica, and recent negotiations have only intensified.

Yannick Caillet, Deputy Mayor of Saint-Denis, like Mayor Turel, is proud that the signing of the agreement took place symbolically on the sidelines of the Olympic Games. "We are very honored to welcome the Slovenian delegation to our municipality today. During our visit to Nova Gorica, we agreed with Mayor Samo Turel to establish cooperation and confirm it with an agreement. The agreement has been signed, and now begins the journey of forging closer ties. We are very pleased and proud to be part of this story," Caillet emphasized.

Part of this story will certainly include the renovation of the basilica in Saint-Denis, which will begin next year and is expected to last about six years. The renovation will be fully open to the public, as it is one of the most exceptional historical monuments and a protected part of cultural heritage. Much of the renovation will be done by hand by local craftsmen, and visitors will be able to observe their work directly. The French are confident that among these visitors will be lovers of history, art, and culture from Slovenia.