The one in Radovljica, which is also a "gingerbread museum", is celebrating 250 years of existence this year.

Four lect heart makers are preserving the tradition at the Radovljica workshop, making around 100 hearts daily according to the original procedure.

The tradition is believed to go as far back as the 14th century and lect heart making became hugely popular in the 19th century, when the hearts were a cherished gift among lovers.

Today they are mostly a beautiful tourist souvenir, which can be preserved for decades.

While the oldest specimen in Radovljica is 42 years old, lect hearts with an even a longer history are expected to be presented at a special event at the "lectarnica" museum on 10 December this year.