Fresh off the press and available free of charge at Bottega del Cappello is the third issue of the printed periodical “La Via del BorGO” produced by Confcommercio Gorizia as part of the PNRR Bando Borghi and whose contents are edited by Caterina Trovato, Angelica Stasi, Lodovica Gaia Stasi and Valentina Randazzo. After the first two publications dedicated to the history of Gorizia and Borgo Castello and to Christmas in Gorizia, the third issue features the story of fairs and markets of the past.
Monica Paoletich, Director of Confcommercio Gorizia, presents it this way:
“The free press initiative is giving us a lot of satisfaction. Seeing people pass by the store and leaf through our newspaper makes us realize even more how much the urban regeneration promoted by the PNRR Bando Borghi is primarily about people and their connection to Via Rastello, Borgo Castello and the city. In this issue we have delved into the fairs and markets that have historically made Gorizia a point of reference for exchanges, of goods and not only of course, with a spirit that is always cross-border. Moreover, to make our Borgo better known, we have also proposed a map with curious details scattered throughout the historic center: in short, a real treasure hunt! The curiosity that shines through from those who read the stories and anecdotes we tell in the various issues of the free press is an added incentive to continue in this narrative that is also articulated through the new project initiatives planned in this 2025 so important for our city and our territory.”
More than 4,000 copies of the free press have been distributed so far by Confcommercio Gorizia with the intention of enriching and making the city’s narrative increasingly coordinated. To these must be added the 1,000 printed copies that tell the story of the area’s restaurants. What to find in the issue – Leafing through the periodical it will be possible to discover the four annual fairs and the various weekly markets that were held in Gorizia: the fair of St. Hilary and Tatian, the fair of St. Bartholomew, the marciàt dai usei (the bird market), the fair of St. Michael, the animal market, and the fair of St. Andrew (already recounted in the previous issue dedicated to Gorizia’s Christmas traditions). But also the Gaietta market related to silk production and the 1852 regulation that had established how to subdivide trade in the city.
This issue of La Via del BorGO also recounts the strategic role of Piazza Vittoria and Via Rastello, for centuries the heart of trade and crafts in Gorizia. The commercial vibrancy that once characterized the borgo street is interwoven with the tale of some curious details scattered throughout the historic center and indicated in the newspaper, which will thus become a map for a treasure hunt-style walk through the borgo!
Where to find the periodical “La Via del BorGO” – As mentioned, the free press is distributed free of charge at the Bottega del Cappello, both in Italian and English, as well as in local accommodations and businesses. The story is also articulated on La Via del BorGO’s social media: the invitation is to take a photo with the newspaper under your arm and tag @laviadelborgo_ on Instagram. In the next issue, insights on the coming and going on foot to and from the border, the 15th-century history of Casa Rassauer, and more.
You can also download you copy of La Via del Borgo number 3 here.
