Nestled in the heart of Slovenia, the picturesque town of Idrija boasts a rich history that stretches back centuries. Once renowned for its mercury mines, Idrija has transformed into a cultural hub, preserving its heritage while embracing the future. At the forefront of this revitalization is the ID20 Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the region's cultural heritage.
Founded in the former mining town of Idrija, ID20 is a driving force behind innovative and award-winning approaches to heritage preservation. Their mission extends beyond mere conservation, encompassing social and economic development through heritage-based initiatives. By engaging youth, cultural enthusiasts, and tourists, ID20 aims to revitalize peripheral and rural areas, breathing new life into their cultural heritage.
One of ID20's key activities involves preserving the historic miners' houses that dot the Idrija landscape. These charming dwellings offer a glimpse into the lives of the miners who once toiled beneath the earth's surface. After years of research and community-engagement activities as well as offering architectural consultation to private owners of such houses, ID20’s work has focused on House Giser. This house, dating back to 1800, was acquired by ID20 in 2021 after years of neglect and abandonment. Through practical workshops, volunteer actions, and cultural events, ID20 is slowly and gradually improving the physical condition of the house, researching its past and opening it to the community, while in parallel passing on the knowledge of traditional construction techniques to future generations.
Beyond architecture, ID20 is also passionate about preserving the region's culinary heritage. Idrija žlikrofi, a traditional filled pasta dish, is a local delicacy that has been enjoyed for generations. ID20 has been selected as a organised of Idrija Žlikrofi Festival in 2021 for the first time and has since then organised 4 edition, each growing by the number of visitors, the richness of the programme and the media reach. The festival, organised every August, brings together around 5000 people in a one-day celebration of this traditional dish. ID20’s vision to turn local folk gathering into an urban happening in a public park has proved to be correct – the festival was awarded Jakob 2024 award for innovative tourist events. Through the festival and other gastronomic events – such as gastronomic-theater experience at Giser House or with its food trailer, ID20 promotes the importance of culinary heritage for a sustainable future, emphasizing the use of local, seasonal ingredients and waste reduction.
Idrija's industrial past is another significant aspect of its heritage. ID20 is working to reimagine industrial culture for the 21st century, exploring its impact on communities and promoting a broader understanding of its tangible and intangible elements. By combining past and present, ID20 aims to create a new perspective on industry and its role in shaping our lives. This is primarily persued through a bi-annual festival Betrib, a festival of industrial culture.
ID20's success is rooted in its community-driven approach. By involving local residents, heritage enthusiasts, and young people, ID20 fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the region's cultural heritage. This collaborative spirit is essential for the long-term sustainability of ID20's initiatives.
ID20's work extends beyond preservation. The organization is committed to using heritage as a catalyst for social and economic development. By promoting tourism, supporting local businesses, and engaging young people, ID20 is helping to create a vibrant and sustainable future for Idrija.
As Idrija continues to evolve, the ID20 Institute remains at the forefront of efforts to preserve and promote its rich cultural heritage. Through innovative initiatives and a commitment to community engagement, ID20 is ensuring that the legacy of this historic mining town will endure for generations to come.