European Heritage Days -
Dnevi evropske kulturne dediščine

Theme for 2025: Walls of Our Past, Foundations of our Future

Dates : 27th of September – 11th of October 2025

This year, in collaboration with thousands of passionate individuals and nearly five hundred organisations, we have created a rich and vibrant programme featuring more than 350 events — a true festival of cultural heritage, taking place across Slovenia and extending to Slovenian communities in Italy and Hungary. 26th of September will be a very special day in Ravne na Koroškem, where we will celebrate heritage with a full day of events.
The official opening of this year’s European Heritage Days and Cultural Heritage Week in Slovenia will take place in the afternoon, at an unusual and symbolic location – the former forging plant known as Štauharija, an authentic industrial complex dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The theme of the 35th European Heritage Days and the 13th Cultural Heritage Week in Slovenia – Walls of Our Past, Foundations of Our Future – provides an excellent starting point for exploring, discovering, and understanding heritage as an integral part of our lives and identity. At the same time, it encourages us to develop new perspectives, approaches, and interpretations. At the heart of this year’s theme lies the idea that built, architectural, or immovable cultural heritage should be regarded as a source of richness – one in which we recognise enduring values and intrinsic worth. Each of us plays a role in shaping the shared spaces we inhabit, and in doing so, we bear responsibility for preserving our heritage.

Walls are not merely structures made of stone, wood, or brick. They are interwoven with the knowledge and experience of past generations. They stand as guardians of memory and tradition, as silent witnesses to the stories that have shaped our collective identity. These walls reflect more than just architectural value – they embody the spirit of time, the craftsmanship of those who came before us, and the values that defined entire communities. They serve as reminders of who we were, help us understand who we are, and inspire us to shape who we wish to become. On these foundations, we build the future – one that is open, creative, and connected. Preserving cultural heritage is not merely about safeguarding old buildings, artifacts, or customs. It is about protecting identity, memory, and the deep bonds between people and place. Every individual, every story, every contribution is a valuable piece of a larger mosaic – a shared legacy that we continue to build together, with pride and responsibility.

Let the European Heritage Days and Cultural Heritage Week be an opportunity for meaningful encounters, shared experiences, and new discoveries – and above all, a reminder that our heritage is truly our common strength.
Join us!