Štanjel 1:300, 2023

Several years ago, Anton Marn conceived the idea of creating a model of the village of Štanjel, carved from a single piece of local limestone. This is the first model of its kind in Slovenia, and possibly even abroad...

The project began with students from the Higher Vocational College Sežana making a cardboard model in 2021. The following year, other students continued by removing material and shaping the rough form of the model. After that, Sibila Leskovec, took over and defined the basic form of the village. She left for a student exchange in Ireland shortly thereafter, and that's when I started working on it.

It took me quite some time to get the hang of it. Using the pointing machine for the first time, I had to decipher all the marks and notes on the stone. I would love to say that it improved every day, but the process was not like that. To make a long story short: every other day I wanted to give up, but at the same time, I was determined to finish it. So, I had to establish a system that worked best for me and stick to it. After a while, I began to enjoy crafting the little houses, the well, the park, the entrances... It took me about 250 hours to complete. You can imagine the joy I felt on the last day.

The model provides a different perspective and helps tourists navigate through the village.

Authors: Anton Marn and Špela Šedivy

Collaborators: Nina Prunk, Tina Petrič, Luka Prunk, Martin Kandido, Žiga Dobrovoljc, Jakob Škrbec, Sibila Leskovec

Sponsors/Donors: Vahta d.o.o., Pirnat d.o.o., Komunala Sežana d.d., Municipality of Komen

Photographs: Personal archive