The Šempeter-Vrtojba Municipality, the Goriški Museum and the Association of Ladies and Girls of Šempeter created a permanent exhibition at the Coronini Mansion, commemorating the Coronini von Cronbergs of Šempeter. From the time it was built in the 17th century until it was sold in the 1930s, the mansion served as the family’s home, and today it serves as the Municipal Hall. Between 2005, when it was purchased by the Municipality, and 2009, the central part of the mansion’s foyer, grand staircase and ballroom were renovated, restoring their 1930s look. It houses the municipal administration offices and municipal council chambers, while there is also a a permanent exhibition area dedicated to the Šempeter Coronini von Cromberg noble family on the first floor.

The exhibition was produced by Katarina Brešan in collaboration with colleagues from the Goriški museum and the Association of Ladies and Girls of Šempeter, while the material she selected and presented comes from the collections of the Nova Gorica Regional Archives, Gorizia State Archives (Archivio di Stato di Gorizia, Italy), Gorizia Provincial Archives (Archivio Storico Provinicale di Gorizia, Italy), Gorizia Provincial Museum (Musei Provinciali di Gorizia, Italy), while some exhibits are property of the Association of Ladies and Girls of Šempeter.

The exhibition recounts the history of the Coronini family with a special focus on two of its most famous personalities, the emperor’s educator Johann Baptist Coronini (1794-1880) and his son, the mayor of Šempeter, Franz Karl (1833-1901). It also describes the history of the Šempeter Mansion and certain other villas the family owned. The exhibition also highlights the family’s land estates in Šempeter and the surrounding areas. Certain objects and garments contributed by members of the Association of Ladies and Girls of Šempeter are also on display. Also displayed are the replicas of garments worn by Franz Coronini and his wife, Selma Cristalnigg. In addition, the exhibition shows photographs of family members and the mansion, reproductions of maps of the land estates, facsimiles of property management documents, and renovation plans after World War I.

The Coronini family relocated to Gorizia from the Bergamo area in late 15th or early 16th century. The Šempeter branch was allegedly started by Alexius Coronini (1580-1679), who was promoted to the title of Baron von Oelberg in 1656. The comital title of von Cronberg was given to the family in 1687. Up until World War I, they owned extensive property. In 1930 they sold the mansion to the Italian military aviation and moved to the nearby Mafejšče mansion, from where they moved to Gorizia in 1947, into a newer villa, which is still owned by the family today.

The exhibition was prepared by the veterans of the Regional Association of the War for Slovenian Independence Veterans, Šempeter-Vrtojba Section, who share the bomb shelter with the Isonzo Front Association members. It presents the development of the Homeland Defense and the liberation war in the Gorizia region, with a special emphasis on the Šempeter-Vrtojba area.

This small but interesting museum collection displays military objects found in the area of the Isonzo Front, especially in the Šempeter region and surrounding areas. It presents a nice collection of Austro-Hungarian and Italian grenades, with a great deal of picture material. The exhibits tell the story about life in Šempeter and surrounding areas during World War I.

In May 1915, after Italy declared war on Austria, Šempeter became the direct backcountry of the nearby Isonzo Front. The first grenades were fired on the town and surrounding areas in July 1916, and during the 6th Isonzo Offensive, it found itself on the very front lines, forcing the inhabitants to seek shelter as refugees. Italians occupied the town, but never penetrated further than the railway tracks, or the outskirts of the town of Sv. Marko. As Šempeter was suddenly caught in the crossfire between two opposing artilleries, it was razed to the ground and the surrounding area made into a wasteland.

The smallest museum in Slovenia can be found in the former military watchtower. The eight metre high tower was built in Vrtojba in 1948, near the former Italian – Yugoslav border, by the Yugoslav People’s army. From the end of the Second World War up until 1991 the soldiers used it to keep strict control over the border. It is one of the many silent witnesses to post-war history.

Coronini Mansion Trg Ivana Roba 3a 5290 Šempeter pri Gorici GPS: E13.64080, N45.93093 Official Hours: Monday and Friday: 8.00 a.m.-12.00 a.m. Wednesday: 8.00 a.m.-12.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m.-4.30 p.m. or by appointmen on T: 05 335 10 00

Bomb shelter underneath the post office, Šempeter pri Gorici Vrtojbenska cesta 21A 5290 Šempeter pri Gorici GPS: E13.64056, N45.92833

Bomb shelter underneath the post office, Šempeter pri Gorici Vrtojbenska cesta 21A 5290 Šempeter pri Gorici GPS: E13.64056, N45.92833 Guided tours are available by appointment with Mr David Erik Pipan T 041 541 868 E depipan@yahoo.com

The Military Watchtower GPS: E13.617262, N45.908017 You can visit the museum by getting the key from the following locations: – Inn Rutinca Vrtojba T: + 386 (0)5 303 54 94 – Hotel Lipa Šempeter pri Gorici T: +386 (0)5 336 60 00 – Tourist office GEA Šempeter pri Gorici T: +386 (0)5 393 61 17