Gorizia's 'Narrating Benches' Transform Historic Center into Art Trail

Four artists—Damjan Komel, Lara Steffe, Stefano Comelli, and Paolo Figar from Associazione Prologo—have created permanent public artworks in Gorizia's historic center. The 'Panchine Narranti' (Narrating Benches) project, initiated by Confcommercio Gorizia, installs benches at Piazza della Vittoria, Via Rastello, and near Porta Leopoldina in Borgo Castello. Each bench incorporates local symbols: the Isonzo River, Gorizia lace, the ancient gate of Via Rastello, and the mastelùt (traditional mustard pot). The benches feature QR codes linking to multimedia content including rotoscope animations by illustrator Armando 'Miron' Polacco, which tell stories of four historical figures: Karl von Czoernig-Czernhausen, Caterina Lambertina and the Ursuline Sisters, Leonardo (last count of Gorizia), and Giovanni Glessig. Content was curated by Associazione Examina and Confcommercio Gorizia staff. The project is part of a broader urban regeneration effort in Borgo Castello and Via Rastello, supported by the PNRR Bando Borghi program. Monica Paoletich, Director of Confcommercio Gorizia, described the benches as an invitation to discover hidden stories and reflect on urban regeneration through art. President Gianluca Madriz emphasized the project's permanence and its role in the GO! 2025 event, aiming to leave a tangible mark on the neighborhood's future.