HERITAGE RESTORATION

RESTORING THE BUILT AND MATERIAL HERITAGE OF THE KOČEVJE REGION

From Preserving Memory to Taking Action

Churches, gravestones and other physical traces of the past bear witness to the people who lived in the Kočevje region and to its history and cultural diversity. Preserving them requires ongoing care, specialist expertise and timely action.

At the Putscherle Institute, we work to protect and restore the region’s endangered heritage. Our current focus is on two projects: the structural repair of the Church of the Three Wise Men in Črni Potok and the restoration of Gottscheer gravestones in Stari Log cemetery.

THE CHURCH OF THE THREE WISE MEN IN ČRNI POTOK

First Steps Towards Structural Repair

Cracks in the church’s structure, which have widened over the years, highlight the urgent need for action. Planning the repairs requires identifying the causes of the damage, assessing the building’s stability and determining the appropriate measures.

In 2025, the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute carried out an initial assessment of the church’s condition and provided preliminary recommendations. These findings form the basis for further investigations, a repair plan and fundraising for the work.

The priority is to secure the church’s structure with a system of structural ties. Further restoration work will also be needed, including replacing the existing roof covering with a more suitable material.

GOTTSCHEER GRAVESTONES IN STARI LOG

Continuing the Restoration Work

Since 2022, we have been gradually restoring Gottscheer gravestones in Stari Log cemetery. They preserve the names of former residents and family memories, while offering insights into language, artistic expression and local history. Their condition is threatened by weathering, biological growth and a prolonged lack of maintenance.

The work includes:

  • cleaning and conserving stone surfaces;
  • repairing damaged sections and stabilising gravestones;
  • preserving inscriptions, photographs and decorative elements;
  • documenting and recording the restored monuments.

Particular care is taken to preserve the original materials and historical value of each gravestone.

SUPPORT HERITAGE PRESERVATION

Restoration is a long-term undertaking, and every completed step makes a difference. We need your support to continue both projects.

Your donation will help fund investigations and planning for the structural repair of the church in Črni Potok, as well as further conservation and restoration of the gravestones in Stari Log.

Help us preserve heritage that, once lost, cannot be replaced.

Bank transfer details:

  • Account holder: Zavod Putscherle
  • IBAN: SI56 6100 0001 3059 360
  • Bank: Delavska hranilnica d. d. Ljubljana
  • Payment description: Church of the Three Wise Men / Stari Log Cemetery / Support for the Institute’s Activities

You can support a specific project or the Institute’s wider work. Please indicate your preference in the payment description.

For other ways to contribute or for further information, please contact us at info@putscherle.com.

Thank you to all the individuals, institutions and businesses helping us preserve the cultural heritage of the Kočevje region.