Birthplace of Ignacij Borštnik

In Cerklje na Gorenjskem stands the birthplace of Ignacij Borštnik – actor, director and teacher, and one of the founders of Slovenian professional theatre. He was born here on 1 July 1858, spent his childhood here and went to primary school. At home he was known as Nace. His path led him from Cerklje to Ljubljana, Vienna and Zagreb. In Ljubljana his talent as an actor was recognised by Ivan Hribar, later Mayor of Ljubljana, and Borštnik went on to become one of the key figures of Slovenian theatre. In 37 years on stage he played more than 400 roles and was also an important director and drama teacher. Today his name lives on in the Borštnik Festival (Festival Borštnikovo srečanje) and the Borštnik Ring, the highest Slovenian award for achievement in acting.

The house in which Borštnik grew up, around 200 years old, was built by his grandfather Janez Borštnik, a teacher and mayor of Cerklje. During careful renovation many original features were preserved, including old floors, wall paintings and joinery. The house therefore tells not only the story of a great Slovenian man of the theatre, but also offers an insight into domestic life more than a century ago. On the upper floor, Borštnik’s life and work are presented on display panels.

Cerklje also commemorates its famous son with a bust in the Memorial Park and the Ignacij Borštnik Cultural Centre. The day of his death, 23 September, is the public holiday of the Municipality of Cerklje na Gorenjskem.

The birthplace of Ignacij Borštnik can be visited by prior arrangement.