While the general European topic of the days is nature this year, the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia picked water to highlight its key role for human life and its heritage.

The institute's director Jernej Hudolin wrote that things like bridges, fountains, wells, mills, salt pans and even the industrial heritage of ports are testimony to this relationship.

He also pointed out that preserving appropriate groundwater levels plays a significant role in the safeguarding of a major part of archaeological remains.

Highlighting these dynamic relationships and the need for sustainable development will be among the goals of this year's European Cultural Heritage Days in Slovenia, which will take part in twelve Slovenian regions as well in neighbouring countries.

Coordinator Nataša Gorenc addressed the press in Tolmin earlier this week to note that the number of events in Slovenia was the highest per capita in Europe and was "something to be proud of".

While some of the events will also look into the future, a quality trip into the past will for instance be provided by the Tolmin Museum, which will host an exhibition on life along the Soča when it served as the border river with Italy.

On 28 September, Khislstein Castle in Kranj (NW) will launch an exhibition dedicated to the history of the city's bridges, while the decay of the country's industrial heritage as seen through the lens of photographer Anton Živković will be presented on the same day in Idrija (W).

The programme also features a number of workshops, lectures, guided tours and walks, performances and panel discussions.

Held under the auspices of the Council of Europe and the EU, the European Cultural Heritage Days are organised in 50 countries and 6,000 cities, its events Europe-wide being visited by more than 20 million visitors.