Castra is an international festival dedicated to the art of watercolour, bringing outstanding contemporary creativity from around the world to Ajdovščina each year. The festival brings together renowned watercolour artists, emerging authors, and art enthusiasts, creating an open space for exhibitions, knowledge exchange, and cultural dialogue.

The story of the Castra International Watercolour Festival began in 2015 at the initiative of fellow academic painter Franc Golob, who also led the first organization of Castra. Subsequent editions of Castra and Mini Castra were continued by a small, professionally and organizationally skilled team, which succeeded in transforming Castra from a one-time international event into a traditional annual watercolour festival, firmly anchored in the international watercolour calendar—this year taking place for the twelfth consecutive time.

From the very first year, the international response was exceptional, and the same has been true in all the years since. We are pleased that over the years many new participating watercolour artists have taken part, which only confirms that through our work and top-level organization we have positioned Castra among the leading watercolour events of its kind in the world.

During the festival, Ajdovščina comes alive as an international art venue where exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, lectures, and plein-air painting intertwine. Special emphasis is placed on direct interaction between artists and visitors, as well as on presenting diverse contemporary approaches to watercolour.

The Castra Festival is closely connected with the local environment, its cultural heritage, and the landscape of the Vipava Valley. In doing so, it strengthens Ajdovščina’s position as an important point on the global map of watercolour art and encourages creativity, openness, and intercultural exchange.