Life of a border village in light of the settlement and building development of Robidišče

Abstract

The village of Robidišče lies in the westernmost part of Slovenia, at the juncture of three cultures, linking the Slavia Friulana (Beneška Slovenija) hinterland, Romanic world and Friuli. Until 1947, the village had vital economic and transport ties with Slavia Friulana. However, once the border between Italy and Yugoslavia was demarcated, the inhabitants of Robidišče were cut off from their historical ties with Veneto (Benečija). More than 150 villagers headed across the border to Italy and from there to all corners of the world or nearby industrial centres. Abandoned village houses were unable to withstand the ravages of time and their ultimate destruction was further accelerated by the devastating earthquake of 1976. In 1995, the first steps were taken to bring the village back to life.