A museum collection of Alexandrines from Rench and the surrounding area opened in Bukovica

A historic villa in the village of Tomaj, located in Slovenia’s southwestern Kras region, has undergone a significant restoration project that brings it back to its original state from over a century ago. The villa, once the home of the renowned modernist poet Srečko Kosovel, was officially reopened on 16 June following a €1.3 million renovation. This effort aimed to restore the property to how it appeared in 1925, just before Kosovel’s untimely death at the age of 22. The restoration included reviving the vivid interior colors, reinforcing the structure, and restoring the garden and adjacent shed. The villa now serves as a museum dedicated to Kosovel and his family, as well as a space for events and gatherings.

The renovation process uncovered several historical features previously hidden or faded. These include ornamental borders, painted decorations, and vibrant color schemes that were reintroduced during the restoration. According to Eva Senekovič Ravnikar, an architect from the firm a2o2 arhitekti, these discoveries added depth to the understanding of the villa’s past. The project was overseen by local authorities, who expressed pride in achieving the most accurate recreation of the villa as it existed in the early 20th century.

Kosovel’s final days were marked by illness and suffering. He returned to his family home in Tomaj two months before his death, having fallen ill after catching a cold while traveling between Zagorje and Ljubljana. The poet later developed influenza and eventually meningitis, leading to his demise on 27 May 1926. Curator Janez Vrečko highlighted the severity of Kosovel’s condition, noting that medical assistance could not alleviate his pain. Personal items belonging to Kosovel, such as his signature wire-rimmed glasses, christening robe, and a pen known for its loud rasp, are now displayed within the villa.

Srečko Kosovel is widely regarded as one of Slovenia’s most influential poets, often compared to French poet Arthur Rimbaud due to his innovative style and thematic range. His body of work spans impressionism, expressionism, constructivism, and incorporates elements of Dadaism, surrealism, and futurism. Known for his relentless productivity, Kosovel reportedly worked for long hours without rest, sleeping only a few hours each night. His dedication to his craft left behind more than a thousand poems, many of which reflect his deep engagement with art and literature.

The villa stands as a testament to the artistic legacy of the Kosovel family. Srečko was the youngest of five children born to Anton Kosovel, a teacher and choirmaster, and Katarina Kosovel, a cultured and educated mother. The family encouraged their children’s creative pursuits, frequently taking them to performances in Trieste. Among the siblings, Srečko’s brother was a poet and journalist, while one of his sisters, Karmela, played the piano. The family’s influence is evident in the preserved grand piano still present in the villa.

In addition to the restoration of Kosovel’s home, other cultural initiatives have emerged in the region. In Bukovica, a new museum exhibit dedicated to women who emigrated from the nearby village of Renče to Egypt has opened in a former mortuary chapel. The exhibition highlights the lives of these women, known as “aleksandrink,” who traveled abroad to support their families financially. Their stories, collected through testimonies, photographs, and narratives, provide insight into their experiences in Alexandria and Cairo, as well as their eventual return home. The exhibit aims to honor their contributions and preserve their legacies, offering visitors a glimpse into the personal struggles and triumphs of these pioneering women.

These developments underscore the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate Slovenia’s rich cultural heritage, ensuring that the stories of individuals like Srečko Kosovel and the aleksandrink continue to resonate with future generations. As the restored villa opens its doors to the public, it invites visitors to explore the life and legacy of one of Slovenia’s most important literary figures, while also recognizing the broader historical and social contexts that shaped his world.