Old window, Slovenia

Interested in heritage conservation and learning new skills? Then perhaps you would like to get involved in restoring a 17th century Slovenian cottage to its original beauty.

The American based organisation, Adventures in Preservation (AiP), is holding a conservation workshop in the small village of Brecljevo, which is located near Šmarje pri Jelšah, roughly half way between Šentjur and Rogaška Slatina (we have two nearby walks, one starting at Rogaška Slatina and around the vineyards of Virštanj).

The project involves the restoration of a 17th century stone and timber cottage. Amongst other things, participants will repair the walls, learning how to re-lay stone rubble to blend in with the original stonework. There are also plans to restore a traditional Slovenian stove, which is a large stone structure used for both heating and cooking. Given sufficient time and people power, participants will also tackle repair of several pieces of wooden furniture and begin to repair the cottage’s flooring.

Ptuj

The experience is not all work though! There will be opportunities to meet local community members and visit historic sites. AiP explain that “since this is a great wine-growing region, most visiting is accompanied by tasting the many local wines and liqueurs”. Sounds like fun! A one-day trip to Ptuj and Maribor is also planned, as well as a two-day weekend trip sites in eastern Slovenia.

One and two-week workshops are available between August 22 – September 4, 2010. For full details and prices follow this link to Adventures in Preservation, Slovenia.

Fresco on a old barn in Robanov Kot

Tags: conservation, Slovenia, Slovenian, Slovenija