Slovenian Stories: Google Arts & Culture and Slovenian Tourist Board join forces in showcasing Slovenia's rich natural and intangible heritage

Slovenia is the green heart of Europe, with a diverse and magical natural landscape, a rich cultural heritage, traditions and tales, which are combined to tell the story of an enchanting land between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea.

A partnership between Google Arts & Culture and the Slovenian Tourist Board, Slovenian Stories now offer an online insight into Slovenia's rich natural and cultural heritage. Unique crafts, breathtaking views and dedicated people are also featured in a short film.

The project was officially launched with the presence of President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, who pointed out that the Presidential Palace was one of the first landmarks in Slovenia to be filmed and digitized, and that it has been put out for all to see. He is delighted that the new Slovenian Google Arts & Culture project makes even more places and traditions available for people from all over the world to explore online. In times of limited travel and distance learning, this is even more appreciated.

Digital collection Slovenian Stories is shining a new light on the natural beauties found in the country, its historical heritage, myths and legend, as well as people's stories. The collection is one of the most comprehensive dedicated specifically to the intangible heritage of Slovenia. It includes more than 60 stories and virtual tours and more than 1,200 photographs, artworks, and frescoes. Another highlight represents the recorded fairy tales, showing the rich and vivid world of Slovenian folklore. You can find four well known Slovenian fairytales, based on adaptations by Dušica Kunaver, folklore researcher and enthusiast. 

Slovenia is one of the most forested countries in the EU, and more than a third of its area is protected and included in the European Natura 2000 network, preserving biodiversity. It has over 10,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails, the partners like Beekeeping Museum in Radovljica, Slovenian Mountain Association, National and University Library of Slovenia and many more have also participated in the project, thus becoming part of more than 2,000 cultural institutions from 80 countries participating in the Google Arts & Culture project.

On this occasion, the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) said: “We are exceptionally proud to partner with Google for such a special project, which represents Slovenia to the world in an interesting and attractive way. Stories from Slovenia, which we designed together with other partners and co-creators in the form of a unique platform of visually stunning and informative stories, represent our green country, its natural and cultural heritage and the people who enrich them." The STB also pointed out that they are pleased that experiences of towns and culture, which is one of the key products of Slovenian tourism, are shown in the most prominent way on the platform. "Together with stories about experiences in unspoiled nature, gastronomic specialties, Slovenian waters and other contents, the new platform will undoubtedly be an inspiration for all those who already have or want to explore Slovenia."

In Slovenia everything is so close and so diverse at the same time, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a mini version of Europe. Slovenian Stories cover a wide range of topics and mainly includes these four: knowledge of crafts and traditions, spotlight on natural reserves, breathtaking views, and experiences all across the country. Mountaineering and hiking have a long tradition in Slovenia and at the same time strongly intertwine with the Slovenian national identity. Users will find themselves on a mountain trail on top of Triglav (the highest mountain peak in Slovenia), across the valleys, enjoying the seaside and walking through the forests. 

"The past two years have been challenging for travelers around the world. We believe that with this project we will bring the natural beauty and rich tradition of Slovenia, the hidden gem of Europe, closer to users all around the world. Using technology and innovative storytelling techniques, this project in cooperation and under the auspices of the Slovenian Tourist Board is aimed at preserving and promoting selected aspects of Slovenia's natural and intangible cultural heritage globally. It is also a unique showcase of hiking culture and local narratives, which is now part of the Google Arts & Culture programme," said Amit Sood, director of Google Arts and Culture.

‘’Slovenian Stories project is a unique presentation of hiking culture and local legends storytelling which is now part of Google Arts & Culture. We’re hoping to bring inspiration to local and international travelers when they choose their next vacation destination or simply explore Slovenian rich traditions and crafts,’’ added Metka Svetlin, Marketing Manager Google Adriatic.

Slovenia is also known for its rich traditions and crafts making with many items of the intangible heritage listed on the UNESCO list. With this project we’re showing such traditions for example as the art of preparing pisanice, special Easter eggs made with candle, beeswax and a love, the kurenti door-to-door tradition from the Ptuj, protected by UNESCO, and delicious Slovenian dessert potica dish with recipe included.

“Today, tourists are looking for originality in a modern way, and Slovenian natural and cultural diversity is a treasure worth showing to the whole world. From Sečovlje salt pans, Plečnik’s Ljubljana to the lesser-known Gregorjevo, Slovenian Valentine Day really exudes diversity. I am glad that there are digital channels today that can bring our natural and intangible cultural heritage closer to tourists around the world, especially in these challenging times that have reduced the possibility of travel. While we expect a return to the old normal, projects like this allow our guests the virtual trips and the acquaintance with the cultural and historical richness of Slovenian destinations. We hope that you are already planning your travels and that this page is an additional invitation to visit Slovenia. See you soon at Google Arts and Culture”, said the State Secretary Andrej Čuš, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology.

About Google Arts & Culture

Google Arts & Culture is a non-profit initiative whose mission is to make art & culture accessible, relevant and fun, and as a result, be a growth engine for the cultural sector. Google Arts & Culture puts the treasures, stories and knowledge of over 2.000 cultural institutions from 80 countries at your fingertips. If Google’s mission is to make the world’s information more accessible, then Arts & Culture's mission is to make the world's culture accessible to anyone, anywhere. It’s your doorway to explore art, history, and wonders of the world.

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