On Friday, April 17, 2026, the TRG Vipava Tourism Board organized the grand opening of the Zdravljica House in Podnanos.
The Zdravljica House is a modern interpretive center dedicated to the life and work of composer Stanko Premrl, the author of the melody of the Slovenian national anthem. It presents the creation of the musical Zdravljica and the broader historical and cultural context of its creation in an engaging and accessible way. This is the first comprehensive approach to presenting Premrl’s legacy to the general public. The exhibition also features important figures such as France Prešeren and Matija Vrtovec, while simultaneously showcasing Podnanos as a place with a rich cultural heritage and a significant role in the creation of the Slovenian national anthem. The content is designed in a modern and interactive way and appeals to a wide range of visitors—from school groups and families to local and foreign guests.
The event began with a cultural program by the Kapljice and Biseri Girls’ Choir from the Municipality of Savogna d'Isonzo. Accompanied by an accordion, they sang Prešeren’s poems “Kam” and “Vrba.”
The gathering was addressed by Anton Lavrenčič, Mayor of the Municipality of Vipava, and Špela Spanžel, Director of the Directorate for Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Culture of Slovenia. Both emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the role of the Zdravljica House as a new space for connecting culture, history, and tourism.
Special emphasis was placed on the text by Prof. Igor Grdina, which was read by the director of the municipal administration, Jure Dolinar. It explains that Zdravljica is presented as an exceptionally multifaceted work by France Prešeren—not merely as a poem, but as an artistically accomplished, politically significant, and symbolically powerful expression of the ideas of freedom, equality, and solidarity among people and nations. Local historian and archivist Jurij Rosa also spoke about the significance of the local environment and the role of local figures in its creation.
The cultural program was further enriched by the local Stanko Premrl Podnanos Mixed Choir, which has preserved a rich choral tradition for many years and proudly bears the name of the composer of the Slovenian national anthem. Among other pieces, they performed “Zdravljica,” the seventh stanza of which serves as the Slovenian national anthem.
Patricija Štor from the ROD Ajdovščina Regional Development Agency presented the content of the BEroots project “Between Rivers and Lagoons: Artistic Routes.” She emphasized that the Zdravljica House symbolizes everything the BEroots project stands for: connection, respect for heritage, and a vision for the future. It is a space where culture, tourism, and community converge.
Marjan Vovk, president of the Podnanos Tourism Association, highlighted the local community’s long-standing efforts to bring the project to fruition.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by Anton Lavrenčič, Mayor of the Municipality of Vipava, and Stojan Vitežnik, President of the Podnanos Local Community, followed by the blessing of the house.
After the official ceremony, visitors were able to tour the Zdravljica House and socialize over a glass of wine from local winemakers.
The opening of the Zdravljica House represents a significant achievement for Podnanos and the wider Vipava Valley, as well as an important step toward preserving and presenting Slovenian cultural heritage to future generations.
Neisha’s Solo Concert in Podnanos
Neisha’s unique solo concert in Podnanos last Friday not only delighted but also amazed the audience. The superb performance featuring piano and vocals, combined with the intimate connection between one of Slovenia’s most recognizable singers and the audience, ensured that the concert remained in the memory of attendees as a rare and precious event in life—one that is unrepeatable and will stay with us forever.
Since the concert took place as part of the “Opening of the Zdravljica House” event, the first song on the program was, of course, Zdravljica. We sang it together, standing. This was followed by numerous hits by the Slovenian singer-songwriter and pianist, who is celebrating 20 years of an exceptional solo career this year.
The event “Opening of the Zdravljica House” and the concert were organized by the TRG Vipava Tourism Board as part of the BEroots project “Between Rivers and Lagoons: Artistic Routes,” co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia program.
The Municipality of Vipava oversaw the renovation of the Zdravljica House as part of the BEroots project “Between Rivers and Lagoons: Artistic Routes,” co-financed by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia program.
