About Slovenj Gradec

Slovenj Gradec is the cultural and administrative center of Slovenian Carinthia. With its notable medieval tradition, today the town combines its rich heritage from the past with the fast paced modern life. The Slovenj Gradec 2012 project is aimed at the promotion of cultural activity in small urban centers which represent the future of European culture. Slovenj Gradec has been a Peace Messenger City since 1989, which is a title bestowed by the United Nations.

The city will have a special role as a partner city of the Europe Capital of Culture with the project Sounds of the Past which entails a cultural and infrastructural renovation of the city as well as notable high art events, honoring the famous composer Hugo Wolf, a Slovenj Gradec native. 

"Since the time of the Roman Empire, when a settlement and a post station called Colatio or Kolaciona were established at the foot of the Castle Hill just a shot away from today’s Slovenj Gradec, the town has had many connections with neighboring areas. One of the most important such connection is the artistic network, or “web”, spun by important artists, who have created and are still creating, carrying on the legacy of Hugo Wolf, Ernest Goll, Jakob Soklič, Ljuba Prenner, Jože Tisnikar, Karl Pečko, Bogdan Borčič and others." (Tomo Jeseničnik)