Ljubljana - The government has decided that 2022 will be dedicated to honouring Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik (1872-1957) after it has previously declared it to be the year of Piran-born Italian composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770), to mark the two greats' birth anniversaries, the 150th and 330th, respectively.

Plečnik has shaped the architectural landscape of Slovenia, and became an inspiration for contemporary architecture in Europe and the world. By the time of his death, he had transformed Ljubljana into a symbolic national capital, the government said after declaring Plečnik's Year on 23 December.

This should further encourage new programmes and activities related to Plečnik's heritage and contribute to spreading awareness about the outstanding architect's legacy, the press release added.

At the beginning of December, the government declared 2022 to be the year of Giuseppe Tartini, as 330 years will have passed since his birth this year.

Tartini was christened on 8 April 1692 in the Slovenian town of Piran, a date which is considered his birthday. This year, the government will encourage events and programmes dedicated to his legacy, which features about 130 concerts and sonatas for violin, and some theoretical debates.