European Heritage Days are celebrated every September across the continent under the auspices of the European Commission and the Council of Europe. The theme for 2025 was “Architectural Heritage: A Window into the Past, a Door to the Future.” In Montenegro, 40 programs were implemented across 15 municipalities, with katuns prominently featured as a vital part of our architectural identity.
Orjen Katuns – Past and Future
On September 25, 2025, in the village of Kameno, a panel discussion addressed the state and future of the katuns on Orjen. Participants included Ivan Mališić (RDA BKP), Dr. Veselin Luburić (National Parks of Montenegro), and Aleksandra Kapetanović (Expeditio/RDA BKP). The discussion focused on the delicate balance between tradition and the growing popularity of tourism.
It was emphasized that during revitalization, katuns must preserve their primary purpose related to animal husbandry. Tourism should remain an additional benefit rather than the main activity, requiring inter-sectoral coordination to support a heritage-respecting eco-tourism offer.
Research and Documentation of Katuns
An Expert Meeting on vernacular architecture was held on September 26 in Gornja Lastva, featuring the Vernadoc drawing exhibition. Architect-conservator Aleksandra Kapetanović presented “Research of Katuns in Montenegro,” highlighting decades of academic and field projects by the University of Montenegro, the French CNRS, and RDA BKP.
The conducted research represents significant progress in treating the previously neglected architectural heritage of katuns. This work creates the essential basis for adequate protection and must be continued to safeguard this unique cultural landscape.
The participation of the Regional Development Agency in these events confirms its commitment to placing katuns—as a living museum of our past—at their rightful place on the European cultural map.
