Government Declares 2027 the Year of Jakob Aljaž

6. 11. 2026

Ministry of Culture

At its regular session on 5 November, the Government adopted a Decree declaring 2027 the Year of Jakob Aljaž. The Ministry of Culture proposed that 2027 be designated as the Year of Jakob Aljaž following an initiative by the Municipality of Medvode. Next year will mark the centenary of the death of Jakob Aljaž (1845–1927), a priest, national awakener, composer and an important contributor to Slovenia's cultural and mountaineering heritage.

Picture represents Aljaž Tower on the hop of Triglav — Government Declares 2027 the Year of Jakob Aljaž | Author Vlada Republike Slovenije

Through his work, Jakob Aljaž made a significant contribution to strengthening Slovenian national consciousness, developing Slovenian culture and language and establishing and advancing organised mountaineering in Slovenia. Of particular importance was his role in making Mt Triglav a symbol of the Slovenian nation, with the Aljaž Tower atop still remaining one of the most prominent symbols of Slovenian identity today. An important part of his legacy also includes mountain huts and trails in the Julian Alps, as well as his musical compositions, most notably the song Oj, Triglav, moj dom (Oh, Triglav, My Home).

Declaring 2027 the Year of Jakob Aljaž provides an opportunity to present his outstanding contribution to Slovenian culture, mountaineering and national identity in a comprehensive manner, both in Slovenia and abroad, and to strengthen awareness of the importance of his legacy for contemporary Slovenian society.

The Ministry of Culture has already invited public cultural institutions, the public fund and the two public agencies operating in the field of culture to prepare activities related to the life, work and legacy of Jakob Aljaž and include them in their programmes for 2027. Other ministries and institutions, as well as organisations of Slovenians around the world, will also be invited to participate, as his legacy extends far beyond the field of culture, bringing together education, research, cultural heritage protection, mountaineering, sport and tourism.