Summary

Opatje selo is a typical Karst village located in the western part of Slovenia next to the border with Italy. The village has a rich history but it was in decline for many years. Today the village has around 420 people and its population has been growing since 2002. The local community needed a space where its members would be able to interact while maintaining the local traditions.

Support from the Slovenian rural development programme enabled the local community to reconstruct and revitalise a dilapidated building and convert it into a multi-purpose public space. The renovation of the building created spaces where traditional artefacts are displayed and an outdoor area where events can be organised.

Results

The restored house is now used by local associations and groups. The upper room serves for meetings, exhibitions, lectures and workshops.

On average 300 people visit the House per year and the number is growing steadily.

The yard in front of the house has become an attractive space for organizing cultural events. Over the last 3 years, the local community, associations and volunteers with the support of municipality have been organising a summer festival, choirs, theatrical plays and other events.