Nova Gorica, Slovenia

Nova Gorica was built little more than half a century ago following Gorica's (Gorizia) annexation to Italy at the end of World War II. The local authorities constructed this nascent Slovene Gorica based upon plans drawn up by the prominent Slovene architect Edo Ravnikar, a keen disciple of Le Corbusier.

Although vestiges of antiquity remain, its central hub is ultimately too modern to be anything other than charmless. With only its casinos (owned by the ubiquitous HIT group) – upon which the local economy is almost entirely dependent – and the odd splash of greenery to possibly detain you, it's not a place to linger. That said, there are some wonderful diversions close by, most obviously the enchanting Goriška Brda wine region northwest of town, the twin attractions of Sveta Gora and Kostanjevica Monastery, both of which should satisfy those in search of ecclesiastical excitement, and Kromberk Castle, out in the suburbs.

As well as being an important transport hub for destinations north into the Soča Valley and south towards the Karst and coast, Nova Gorica is also a key crossing point into Italy, so there's a good chance you'll wind up here at some point.