On 6 October 2026, the concluding meeting of the project Between rivers and lagoons: artistic routes (BEroots) took place in Podnanos. Over 30 months, the project brought together Slovenian and Italian partners to promote sustainable tourism, preserve cultural heritage and showcase lesser-known artists from the cross-border area. The project delivered a range of tangible results while laying a solid foundation for continued cooperation between local communities on both sides of the border.
The event, hosted at the Vidus Wine Cellar, provided an opportunity to present the project's achievements, key activities and journey from the initial idea to concrete results in Slovenia and Italy.
Cooperation that will continue beyond the project
The meeting opened with welcome addresses by the host, Mayor of the Municipality of Vipava mag. Anton Lavrenčič; Mayor of the Municipality of Savogna d'Isonzo Luca Pisk; Francesca Sibilla from the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia Programme 2021–2027; and Jan Capuder, representing Slovenia's National Contact Point, Office for Interreg and Financial Mechanisms, Interreg Sector – Štanjel Regional Office.
Mayors Anton Lavrenčič and Luca Pisk highlighted the strong cooperation that had developed among the partners during the project's implementation. Both stressed that the project's conclusion does not mean the end of joint activities, but rather an opportunity to strengthen ties and develop new initiatives together. In addition to its achievements in cultural heritage and tourism, BEroots has helped consolidate relations between the two municipalities and created a solid basis for future joint initiatives.
Francesca Sibilla emphasised that the Interreg Italy–Slovenia Programme supports projects that foster close and meaningful cooperation between partners. She also highlighted project capitalisation as one way to build on the results achieved by transferring knowledge, experience and good practices into new activities and future partnerships.
Jan Capuder underlined the importance of cross-border projects that turn European funding into tangible and visible results for local communities. He also stressed the importance of long-term cooperation between partners and the continued use of project results after the funding period ends.
Six partners, one shared vision
The project Between rivers and lagoons: artistic routes (BEroots) brought together six partners from Slovenia and Italy: the Municipality of Vipava, the TRG Vipava Tourism Institute and the Ajdovščina Adult Education Centre on the Slovenian side, and the Municipality of Savogna d'Isonzo, the Slovenian Regional Economic Association (SDGZ–URES) and VEGAL on the Italian side.
The project's main objective was to connect cultural heritage, artistic activities and sustainable tourism, bringing lesser-known destinations and artists into a broader cross-border tourism offer. It also addressed challenges such as uneven tourist flows, the limited visibility of less-visited inland areas and the need for new experiences that connect local communities, culture and visitors.
Following the welcome addresses, the partners presented the activities carried out and the results achieved on both sides of the border.
The House Zdravljica and new opportunities in Podnanos
One of the key achievements in the Municipality of Vipava is the House Zdravljica in Podnanos, which was enhanced in terms of both its facilities and content as part of the project. The site is dedicated to presenting Stanko Premrl and the story behind Slovenia's national anthem. Patricija Štor presented the municipality's activities and results.
Other initiatives in the municipality focused on improving local sites, organising cultural events, developing tourism experiences and strengthening the connection between Podnanos and the wider cross-border area. The TRG Vipava Tourism Institute also played an important role in these activities.
Another significant achievement was the establishment of a cycling route connecting Podnanos and Savogna d'Isonzo. In Savogna, the municipality also improved the centre of the village of Rupa by creating a poetry corner and developed a viewpoint beside the Vipava River at Malnisce. The activities carried out in Savogna were presented by Deputy Mayor Alenka Florenin.
Art as a link between places and people
The project approached cultural heritage as more than the restoration and improvement of individual sites. The partners connected it with cultural events, hiking and cycling routes, educational activities and new ways of interpreting the local area. Concerts, theatre performances, literary walks, photography exhibitions and other events took place on both sides of the border, bringing cultural experiences closer to residents and visitors.
The TRG Vipava Tourism Institute also produced the brochure Artists between Rivers and Lagoons, featuring 20 lesser-known artists from the cross-border area. All project partners contributed to the preparation of the publication. Urška Grmek presented the brochure and its significance.
On the Italian side, the partners developed activities linking local artists, art, the natural environment and sustainable tourism.
The Slovenian Regional Economic Association (SDGZ–URES), in cooperation with the Municipality of Savogna d'Isonzo and local associations, organised a range of cultural events. The activities highlighted Franjo Rojec, a lesser-known local artist whose poetry also inspired the creation of a new cultural route.
Alongside concerts, public events and theatre performances involving artists and friends from Podnanos and Vipava, the programme included walks and a photography exhibition, linking cultural heritage with the natural landscape.
The project also established the circular walking route Along Rojec's Paths, connecting all settlements within the municipality. Along the route, visitors can discover cultural stops featuring information panels and poems by Franjo Rojec dedicated to individual places. Ingrid Scozzai presented the activities carried out by SDGZ–URES.
The partner VEGAL developed activities related to Luigi Russolo, Ippolito Nievo and Ernest Hemingway. It also organised events and cycling experiences connecting cultural stories with the territory of eastern Veneto. The activities were presented by Giovanni Manisi.
Digital routes for learning and discovery
An important part of the project focused on education and making cultural content more accessible to different groups of visitors.
The Ajdovščina Adult Education Centre developed three digital thematic routes combining cultural heritage, physical activity, learning and digital tools. One route guides visitors through the cultural heritage of Vipava and is primarily intended for older people; another is designed for school groups in Podnanos; while the third offers families with children an active way to explore Vipava.
All three routes encourage a more engaging approach to discovering local places and their heritage. Meta Furlan presented the development and value of these digital experiences.
A strong foundation for future cross-border cooperation
The project Between rivers and lagoons: artistic routes (BEroots) also strengthened cooperation between the municipalities of Vipava and Savogna d'Isonyo. As part of the project, the two municipalities signed a letter of intent on establishing a twinning arrangement, and their cooperation continues as they explore new shared initiatives and opportunities.
The continuation of cross-border cooperation was one of the key messages of the concluding meeting. BEroots leaves behind a range of tangible achievements, including improved sites, cultural routes, publications, events, educational activities and new connections between partners. More importantly, it has brought people, organisations and local communities together, creating a network with significant potential for further development beyond the project's formal completion.
Following the partners' presentations, a press conference was held, followed by a visit to the House Zdravljica and a guided tour of Podnanos. In the afternoon, the programme continued with a partner meeting at Lanthierijev hram in Vipava.
The project Between rivers and lagoons: artistic routes (BEroots) is co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia Programme.
