Rotovje stories of yesterday and tomorrow

Conversation, heritage of Rotovce Square

As part of the series of events Rotovška Stories of Once and Tomorrow, a talk entitled THE HERITAGE OF ROTOVŠKA TREK took place in the Small Hall of the LAGM on 19 January 2026 at 6 p.m. The guests were Dr. Jerneja Ferlež, Jerneja Fischer Knap, Dr. Eva Sapač, Dr. Polona Vidmar.

Representative of ZVKDS OE Maribor Eva Sapač, Ph.D., the conservation councillor (second from right) responsible for the Rotovž Centre project, answered a question about the role of the conservation profession in the changes to Rotovž Square and how it has changed over the years. She explained the concept of the renovation in the mid-20th century, which was led by the architect Jaroslav Černigo. In the final part of the discussion, a topical and very important question was raised: what does the overall redevelopment of the square, which is approaching its final stage, mean from the point of view of the monument conservation profession and from the point of view of conservation, and what is the conservator's perception of the placement of modern architecture in the old town centre? Ms Sapačeva pointed out that it would of course be easiest to understand that the heritage profession would be a priori opposed to such projects, but since it is not the only entity that decides on such an important public interest as the placement of more cultural content and institutions in the very city centre of Maribor, it took a lot of know-how and determination to make a project that is intended for everyone a reality. She and her guest, Jernija Fischer Knap, a representative of the architectural studio Medprostor, which is designing the Rotovž Centre and the renovation of the Rotovž itself, explained that they are working together very well, but that from the very beginning a lot of effort is needed to find the optimal solutions for the integration of the new content into the fusion of heritage and modern architectural design.

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Gruber Palace becomes the new home of the Slovenian Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage Ljubljana, 25 February 2026 - Today, the Slovenian Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (ZVKDS) inaugurated its new premises in Gruber Palace in Ljubljana. One of the most important Baroque settings in Slovenia has thus regained its distinct public mission - it has become the central administrative and professional centre of the national institution for the protection of cultural heritage. The premises were opened by the Minister of Culture, Dr Asta Vrečko, and the Director General of ZVKDS, Jernej Hudolin. The Ministry of Culture allocated EUR 370,000 for the renovation. At the opening ceremony, Minister Dr Asta Vrečko emphasised the broader context of the investments in the Institute's premises. The ZVKDS is one of our largest public institutions, with an extensive network of units across Slovenia, a restoration department and an archaeology department. Following the relocation of the Slovenian Archives, we have dedicated the baroque Gruber Palace in Ljubljana to a new public activity - the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, while renovating it and landscaping the park in front. The administration and various departments have moved in and will now work together, whereas previously some of them worked in rented premises. Last year, we completed the energy renovation of the buildings of the Institute's regional units in Kranj and Ljubljana, and this year we will move the Luška kapitania in Koper, where we will relocate the regional unit in Piran. This will preserve our heritage and create better working conditions for our staff.» The Director General stressed that the merger of key services of the ZVKDS under one roof will bring cost rationalisation, better communication, more efficient work processes and greater cohesion among employees. «Instead of five locations in Ljubljana, we will now work in three - Gruber Palace has become the heart of our operations.» «Today we are gathered in one of the most precious baroque settings in Slovenia. This is not just an architectural jewel. It is a place of knowledge, research, creativity and heritage that has shaped our identity over the centuries.» He added: «We believe that by coming to the palace, we are continuing the centuries-old spirit of exploration, creativity and responsible heritage care.» And he stressed the symbolic dimension of the opening: «This is not just a logistical gain. It is a symbolic gesture: we are the guardians of cultural heritage working in a place that is a world-class cultural monument. We have thus placed ourselves alongside many European heritage services, which are based in outstanding historic buildings.» History of the space Knowledge Gruber Palace was designed in the second half of the 18th century by the Jesuit, architect and scientist Gabriel Gruber as the headquarters of the Jesuit College. From the outset, it was conceived as a place of knowledge, research and teaching. It was the home of many scientists, including Jurij Vega, one of Slovenia's most prominent mathematicians and astronomers. The palace has retained outstanding architectural and artistic elements, including a monumental oval staircase and a richly painted chapel, and remains one of Ljubljana's key Baroque monuments.
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