Slovenian Priests in Istria Throughout History

The project sheds light on a lesser-known but highly important aspect of shared Slovenian-Croatian history—the role of Slovenian priests in Croatian Istria. Their work significantly contributed to the preservation of language, culture, and the social life of the local population; however, this topic has often been overlooked until now.

Within the project, data were collected and analyzed on approximately 80 Slovenian priests who were active in Istria from the 18th to the second half of the 20th century. Initial overviews of their lives and work were created, providing an important foundation for further research.

The project has also produced concrete results, including a scientific article, public presentations, and the integration of the topic into university teaching. In doing so, it opens up space for a broader understanding of the Slovenian presence in Croatia and encourages further research and the preservation of shared cultural heritage.