On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the final event of the RecapMCV – Recapitalisation MerlinCV project took place at the Tolmin Museum, where the results of the enhancement and restoration activities of Kozlov Rob Castle were presented.

In addition to Slovenian and Italian partners, Fabrizio Oreti, Councillor for Culture of the Municipality of Gorizia, also attended, strengthening the cultural and strategic ties between both sides of the border. The initiative, co-financed by the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia programme, highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation for the protection and enjoyment of cultural heritage.

Site Enhancement Works

Tolmin’s mayor, Alen Červ, emphasized the importance of external funding for carrying out such significant investments, which would otherwise be impossible to support with municipal resources alone. Kristina De Dio, representative of the Interreg programme, expressed satisfaction that the combination of various funding sources led to an even greater impact.

Matej Kavčič, project partner representing the Municipality of Tolmin, illustrated the most significant actions carried out in recent years to make the Kozlov Rob area more accessible and attractive:

• new connections and thematic trails;
• exhibition spaces, an immersive room, and an information point;
• safety measures for the castle plateau;
• digital tools (3D reconstructions, virtual experiences) to enhance and communicate the heritage.

Kavčič also presented the next steps, including the establishment of the Kozlov Rob Interpretation Centre and the enrichment of the tourist offer with three new products:

• a gamified experience for children and families, guided by a goat mascot;
• an animated tour along the route of Tolmin’s three castles (Kozlov Rob, Coronini residence, and the Patriarchal Palace of Na Doru);
• the annual event “At the Castle for Tolmin Stories,” which will present the heritage of Tolmin and its surroundings through various narrative formats. The first edition was held on Saturday, September 27.

Participation of the Municipality of Gorizia

The presence of Fabrizio Oreti was particularly significant. He emphasized the potential of a structured collaboration between Kozlov Rob Castle and Gorizia Castle, aiming to create a system for the cultural heritage of the cross-border area. According to the councillor, the experiences gained in Gorizia in enhancing its own castle could offer useful insights for Tolmin, fostering synergy between the two cities, especially in view of the conclusion of the GO!2025 – Nova Gorica and Gorizia European Capital of Culture year.

Looking Ahead

With the conclusion of RecapMCV, attention now turns to the management of the new Kozlov Rob Interpretation Centre, scheduled to open to the public in spring 2026. This new cultural hub will consolidate the results achieved and strengthen institutional and tourism cooperation between the involved territories.

Collaboration with Gorizia also opens up interesting prospects: the possibility of promoting joint itineraries, shared cultural initiatives, and cross-border experiences that enhance history.