Successful Presentation of the Book Between Venice and Vienna

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in the library of UP FTŠ – Turistica in Portorož, a warm and welcoming atmosphere accompanied the presentation of the scientific monograph Between Venice and Vienna: Cultural Heritage as an Object of National Prestige and Spatial Identity, authored by Dr. Salvator Žitko and Dr. Brigitta Mader. Dr. Salvator Žitko joined us and presented the key findings of his research, which sheds light on the complex role of cultural heritage in political and identity processes from the Venetian period to the present day.

In the monograph, the authors use historical and archaeological precision to depict the movement of artworks, archives, and other cultural assets between countries and regimes — from the confiscation of valuable objects during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Fascist Italy, through the complex issues of restitution after the Second World War, and up to the period of independent Slovenia. Special attention is given to the role of museums, church institutions, and archives, as well as to local efforts to preserve heritage.

The event attracted numerous interested attendees, including researchers, students, representatives from the cultural and academic spheres and media representatives. Following the presentation, a lively discussion took place, during which participants explored issues related to heritage preservation, its importance for regional identity, and the challenges associated with the restitution of cultural property.

The event was organized by third-year students of the UNI Tourism program as part of the course Cultural Events (Urška Ravnikar, Klara Filo, and Ivona Mirić) under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Tadeja Jere Jakulin and with the assistance of librarian Tilen Bihar.