European Heritage Training Course at Stična Abbey
Two weeks of heritage in action
From 3 to 16 August, the historic Cistercian Abbey of Stična hosted a remarkable two-week European Heritage Training Course, jointly organised by the Slovene Museum of Christianity, the Stična Abbey, and the international organisation European Heritage Volunteers. The initiative combined hands-on conservation work with a rich educational and cultural programme, creating an inspiring example of international and inter-organisational cooperation.
Restoring the Baroque stone portal
Under the expert guidance of the Slovene Restoration Centre, nine participants from across the world applied their advanced knowledge and dedication to the restoration and conservation of the Baroque stone portal of the monastery. Alongside this practical work, participants also deepened their understanding of heritage through theoretical sessions. These included visits to the Restoration Centre, learning about the geological composition of the portal, and discovering the latest laser-based techniques for cleaning and bacterial consolidation of stone surfaces.
The training course was further enriched by a varied cultural programme prepared by the Slovene Museum of Christianity and the Abbey. Highlights included guided tours of the monastery and its museum collections, as well as a one-day excursion to Kostanjevica na Krki, where the former Cistercian monastery today houses the Božidar Jakac Gallery – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. This site is the second Slovenian location included in the Cisterscapes – Cistercian Landscapes Connecting Europe project, which proudly holds the European Heritage Label.
A milestone event on 7 August
The central moment of the course came on 7 August, when the results of the young participants’ work were presented to the public in a special event supported by the EHL Bureau. Among the speakers were Father Maksimilijan, Abbot of Stična, Nataša Polajnar Frelih, Director of the Slovene Museum of Christianity, Miguel Senra Hermana, representative of the EHL Bureau, and Bert Ludwig, Director of European Heritage Volunteers. The highlight of the day was the official unveiling of the European Heritage Label plaque, formally recognising Stična Abbey as part of Europe’s shared cultural heritage.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, local communities, and members of the wider public. It was followed by a convivial gathering in the abbey’s early 18th-century refectory, where participants, organisers, and guests celebrated the occasion together.
For the nine young conservationists, living and working within the abbey walls for two weeks proved to be a unique and unforgettable experience – one that combined professional growth, intercultural exchange, and personal connection to European heritage. For the organisers and supporters, it was a strong reminder that heritage is not only preserved, but also lived, through dedicated care and collaborative action.
