DISCOVER THE CITY OF UNESCO HERITAGE
The story of a silver stream amidst the forests
Gewerkenegg Castle
IDRIJA – THE UNESCO TOWN – ENTICES YOU TO NEW EXPERIENCES In the oldest mining town in the heart of Slovenia, the sound of hammers and mining machinery echoed day after day for more than five centuries. In the past the mercury mine provided the town with great prosperity in all fields, from technology and science to trade and culture. Nowadays the entire old town centre is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Gewerkenegg mining castle from the 16th century still watches over the attractive town, surrounded by clear waters, ample forests and green hills offering magnificent views. Idrija invites you to discover its wealth of cultural and technical heritage, already known worldwide. Get to know the tradition of lacemaking, enjoy the pristine natural environment, breathe the fresh air and taste the traditional local delicacies in the nearby villages.
2
Rugged plateaus surrounding Idrija
Hand-made Idrija bobbin Lace
The world above Idrija is colourful and rich with forests
Where the Alpine and the Karst worlds meet
8 EXPERIENCES YOU MUST TRY WHILE IN IDRIJA
In the western part of Slovenia the intertwining of the Alpine and the Karst worlds has created an extraordinary natural environment. On plateaus that lie at about 1,000 metres above sea level, small countryside villages offer hospitality at tourist farms and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, split by streams, deep gorges and narrow valleys.
• UNESCO heritage of the Idrija Mercury Mine • The five centuries of Idrija story in the Municipal Museum at Gewerkenegg Castle • Lacemaking workshop at Idrija Lace School • Cooking workshop – making idrijski žlikrofi by the protected recipe • Divje jezero Wild Lake, one of the most interesting natural phenomena in the country • Walking the Path of Idrija’s natural scientists along the Rake water channel • Cycling or hiking the theme trails within the Idrija Geopark • Fishing in the crystal clear Idrijca river with the Idrija Angling Club
Green views in Idrija Geopark Geologically one of the most peculiar parts of the country, the Idrija area encompasses the Idrija Geopark, which is also the UNESCO Hertitage Site. It offers many opportunities for your active getaway. Because of its green responsibility to the environment Idrija was named both the Alpine Town of the Year and the European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) in the year 2011. Preserved historical Šturmajce homestead in Gorenja Kanomlja
Swinging bridge over the Idrijca
www.visit-idrija.si
The success story of the second largest mercury mine in the world
Anthony’s Main Road
ANTHONY’S MAIN ROAD: A 500-YEAR-OLD UNESCO HERITAGE SITE The story of the old mercury mine, the second-largest in the world, which vitally influenced the economy of Central Europe for several centuries begins with an unusual event. When a barrel maker was soaking his bucket in the stream he saw something shiny, and immediately went to show it at the market. It was mercury that had leaked to the surface; the only liquid metal once believed by alchemists to be the source of all other metals. Over a couple of centuries Idrijan miners dug out over 700 kilometres of tunnels and shafts reaching 380 metres in depth at 15 different levels, and produced almost 150 thousand tonnes of mercury, which was used all over Europe and worldwide in science, agriculture, and the extraction of precious metals, among other things. Anthony’s Main Road, one of the oldest preserved mine entrances in the world, has made it through five hundred years of operation. Nowadays it welcomes you to a tourist adventure.
4
Cinnabar crystals
The underground world is full of mercury ore treasures
Popular mining adventure
Jože Pavšič, a former miner, now a guide:
One third of Slovenia’s preserved technical heritage The owners of the mine continually supported technological development, making Idrija the home of plenty of interesting preserved mine equipment. Idrija Kamšt used to be a water pump for the mine and has the largest preserved wooden water wheel in Europe. In the Francisci Shaft building there is an exhibition of mine machineries, which are precious examples of the technical heritage. In the heart of the forests around Idrija you can find the water barriers, “klavže” in Slovene, which were used to transport wood along the streams. A water wheel
“
Real comradeship, trust and solidarity connected the miners, and always gave them the belief that after their shift they would see daylight again. The hard labour was exhausting but we were always driven by dedication to Idrija and the mine, which marked our town. When we met on the surface during daylight, we preferred to socialise and rejoice together instead of resting. It gave us strength over and over again.
“
You enter Anthony’s Main Road just as the real miners did, dressed in an overcoat and wearing a helmet. Experienced guides lead the way underground, through the source of the mercury treasure, and tell exciting mining stories. After a pause at the mine chapel, wishing each other the miners’ traditional “Good luck!”, you walk past the illuminated pits, get to know the miners’ activities and look for the mine dwarf Perkmandlc, who used to tease the miners at work, at a depth of 100 metres below the surface.
A special board with ‘marks’ for each miner
www.visit-idrija.si
The story of the flourishing town and the inventive people
Idrija
THE MUNICIPAL MUSEUM WELCOMES YOU TO GEWERKENEGG – THE FORMER MINE CASTLE Nowadays there are few real miners left in Idrija, but you can follow their cultural and technical legacy at every step you take. The mine administration once resided in Gewerkenegg Castle, which nowadays holds Idrija Municipal Museum. The town, at the confluence of the Idrijca and the Nikova rivers, evolved quickly due to the second-largest mercury ore deposit in the world. It attracted many influential natural scientists, constructors and inventors of the time. Miners loved rejoicing and relaxing after their hard labour underground, which encouraged creative engagement into music, culture and sports associations in the town. All the major events once took place at the “old square” as the locals still call Ahacijev trg (Square), named after St. Achatius, the patron saint of miners.
6
Idrija Lace School
Idrija Lace School has been active since 1876
Tomaž Vencelj, a well-known musician, band member and Idrija local:
Take a walk to Ahacijev trg where you can find a Baroque fountain in the centre. At this very place the wealth of the mercury ore was found 42 metres deep in the early 16th century, and the first underground entrance, called the Shaft of Luck, was made. While exploring the old centre of Idrija you will also see the first theatre building in Slovenia, the first Slovenian non-classical secondary school and the Magazin, the preserved mine grain store.
The oldest brass band in Europe Sit in the main square and take a look at the castle, or visit lace shops and feel the tradition of Idrija. Maybe you come at just the right time for one of the many events with the Idrija miners’ brass band. The oldest brass band in Slovenia and even in Europe has celebrated 350 years of tradition. In August the Čipkarija Festival is worth visiting. It is organised by young locals who have enriched the summer programme of events with music, sports and games for all generations for the last 20 years. Vitality of Mestni trg square
“
After their hard shift the miners needed to socialise. The Idrija brass band soon became famous outside the town, too. They played for both miners and Emperors. Even nowadays we march in our traditional miners’ uniforms. Our musicians are bound together by the love of music, the desire to hang out and the band’s 350 year tradition. The best festivities are the local ones; hospitality is in the nature of the people. We love to offer our local delicacies and share our local customs with all the visitors.
“
A walk through the old centre of the town
Castle courtyard
www.visit-idrija.si
The story of the gentle Idrija lace
Idrija Lace in fashion
GET TO KNOW THE LACEMAKERS OF IDRIJA Idrija is the main and the oldest Slovenian centre of handmade bobbin lace. The lacemaking craft flourished at the peak of mercury mining in Idrija. Soon all the main lacemaking cities started admiring Idrija lace, not only the Austrian and German centres, where Idrija lacemaking most probably originated, but also Dutch and Flemish ones. Idrija lace nowadays carries a geographical mark as the finest handmade craft product. “Crossing and twisting” the threads coiled on wooden bobbins and forming patterns such as “srčkovka”, in the shape of a heart, lacemaking requires much knowledge and dedication. Lacemakers learn their skills at Idrija Lace School, which is still the pillar of lacemaking in Europe. The last decade has been a chance for Idrija Lace to influence the fashion world and contemporary creativity. Get to know this attractive tradition at a lacemaking workshop.
8
The dedication of lacemakers in Idrija reflects in their outstanding crafts
Idrija lace inspires all the generations in Idrija
In the summer time, you can see the skilled lacemakers’ hands twisting the threads on the streets of Idrija. Idrija Lace Festival is the biggest event in the town with an international reputation, dedicated to the craft of lacemaking and preserving the tradition. The festival promotes creative approaches to making and applying the lace. Feel the festive spirit at the biggest outdoor lacemaking competition in Slovenia and visit top class lace exhibitions during the days of the festival.
From traditional lace to lace earrings “Idrija Lace, A History Written In Thread”, is the title of the lace exhibition in Idrija Municipal Museum where you can get to know the story of the Idrija lacemakers. You can help to preserve the old handicraft by buying handmade doilies, jewellery or other lace items. Learn the basics of lacemaking at Idrija Lace School, which has been active continuously since 1876, and still offers classes to all generations, including many children from Idrija and its surrounding area.
Lacemaking accessories
Linda Božič, a young lacemaker:
“
My grandma enthralled me by lacemaking when I watched her work as a little girl. The decision to start a lace school myself was not a difficult one. To learn the skill of lacemaking you must be persistent and thorough. When making the lace, you pay attention to your work and in the end all your efforts pay off. I am happy that we are keeping our traditional handicraft alive.
“
International Idrija Lace Festival
Innovativeness in making and using lace
www.visit-idrija.si
The story of an active spirit
Divje jezero lake
IDRIJA GEOPARK INVITES YOU TO ITS CYCLING AND HIKING TRAILS Did you know that it was the Idrija-born sportsman, inventor and sports architect Stanko Bloudek who first brought different sports to Slovenia from abroad? Idrija is a true paradise for enthusiasts of outdoor activities in a pristine environment, who go hiking or cycling at any time of the year, or go fishing, climbing, or pick herbs and mushrooms when the time is right. During the winter the plateaus of Vojsko and Črni Vrh are packed with skiers. UNESCO’s Idrija Geopark embodies all the beauties of the geologically most fascinating part of the country, where the gorges and valleys cut deep between the high plateaus and forests. Explore the network of 22 hiking and cycling theme trails. Discover the preserved Partisan Printing Shop from WWII, or climb up to the top of Javornik (1,241 m), the highest peak in the area, and indulge in the magnificent green views.
10
Clear waters and green forests
The pristine nature in Idrija is diverse and lively
Fishing in the crystal clear Idrijca river
Valter Bonča, one of the most successful road cyclists in Slovenia:
Get to know the Idrija Angling Club which organises unforgettable fly fishing tours on one of the most attractive rivers for fishing in Slovenia. Local fishermen are proud of the clear clean waters and the marble trout. To cross the river you can use one of the wooden suspension bridges. Or cycle to the village of Bela near Idrija and freshen up in the natural pools of the Idrijca at the Lajšt bathing spot.
“
One of the main attractions in Slovenia is the wealth of underground water. Divje jezero or Wild Lake, under high, precipitous rocks, is in fact a Karst spring that gushes water during unfavourable weather. One way to reach it is along the theme trail of Idrija’s natural scientists along the Rake water channel. All-year-round activities
“
Along the Path of natural scientists to Wild Lake
Cycling is both a sports challenge and a social event. The region of Idrija offers countless routes and a diverse landscape for training, and it made me a wellrounded professional cyclist. Nowadays, since I no longer compete, I like to enjoy cycling itself. For those who want to get out of breath, cycling the hills around Idrija with their numerous bends, climbs and descents will be a real adventure.
Fly-fishing at the Idrijca river
www.visit-idrija.si
The story of delicious Idrijski žlikrofi
Idrija žlikrofi
TASTE ŽLIKROFI AND OTHER TRADITIONAL LOCAL DELICACIES The symbol of Idrija’s cuisine is žlikrofi - soft dumplings filled with a potato, bacon and herb stuffing. They were the first Slovenian dish to get a national and European mark of a Guaranteed Traditional Speciality. According to legend the making of žlikrofi was brought to Idrija by a German mining family who moved to Idrija for work. The popular local dish has a special place in the Idrija Municipal Museum where many culinary stories are kept. A žlikrof is like life – you have to make something delicious with very simple ingredients, claim the local chefs. Every year in late August they gather at the Žlikrof Day Festival and compete to make žlikrofi according to the protected recipe and method. Learn how to prepare them encouraged by local experts, and enjoy žlikrofi with bakalca, a sauce made from lamb and vegetables.
12
Ocvirkovca cake with cracklings
After a piece of ocvirkovka, treat yourself to a plate of žlikrofi
The rich table tempts your taste buds
Mira Jeram, a žlikrofi master chef:
Among the traditional local dishes the juicy curd cheese štruklji (dumplings) are often served. Before you indulge in this delicious dish, do enjoy the rich smukavc cabbage and potato stew. The traditional types of “potica” cake, ocvirkovka with cracknels and zeljševka with chives are very popular, too. As a dessert do not hesitate to take a sip of geruš – the miners’ wormwood spirit.
Real žlikrofi are the pride of our town. It is great passing all this knowledge and tradition on to those who would like to learn the skills of making žlikrofi. They are best if little balls made of mashed boiled potato, dressed with roasted minced lard or bacon and onion, seasoned with salt, pepper, chives and marjoram are arranged in a straight line on the rolled out dough, wrapped up, and cut and shaped properly. What can be better than taking home the tastiest memories possible?
Should we believe the legend that žlikrofi were first made when Napoleon Bonaparte visited Idrija and his mistress made the special dumplings for him in the shape of his hat? Nowadays everything about žlikrofi is strictly defined. They must be 3 cm long and 2 cm high and they must have the typical dimple on top, the fingerprint, which is like the personal signature of the chef.
Rezi cake
“
Žlikrofi shaped like Napoleon’s hat
“
Geruš – wormwood and spirit miners’ drink
www.visit-idrija.si
The story of countryside homesteads
Idrija countryside
GREEN PLATEAUS ENTICE YOU TO TASTE THE MILK AND HONEY The countryside of Idrija is a world of natural treasures and authentic adventures. At about 1,000 metres above sea level there are plateaus where the sun, the wind and the waters have stimulated the healing powers of herbs for centuries. Nowadays locals still know how to naturally turn them into herbal teas, syrups and healthy drinks. On the mountain farms dairy products such as cheeses, buttermilk or whey are also produced. Dairy products combine perfectly with honey delicacies. The heritage of beekeeping in the region of Idrija has a centuries-long tradition. According to the legend even the barrel maker who discovered mercury served honey to the first merchants arriving in Idrija. Nowadays Idrija is a bee-friendly environment where beekeepers produce various types of honey and honey products.
14
Primula Carniolica
Idrija countryside offers fresh air and a cosy home-like atmosphere
August 15, Assumption Day, is a special festival in Spodnja Idrija. According to an old tradition families used to celebrate the occasion by cooking štruklji, weaving garlands, rejoicing and singing. Because of this annual making of štruklji the festival got its own local name Prfarski štrukljevc.
Idrija milk and cheese for strength Get yourself ready for sporting endeavours in Idrija with a nurturing breakfast. When was the last time you tried organic yogurt, milk, buttermilk or whey? If you love cheese, we can recommend the full-flavoured Krnčan cheese or Škripavec cheese, which tastes great grilled. Every second Wednesday you can buy all dairy products from the surrounding farms at the covered market in Idrija.
Village of Idrijske Krnice
Irena Kenda, a herbalist:
“
For herbs to develop their healing power they must grow in a healthy, unspoilt environment. Idrijske Krnice, a village on a high plateau, is the ideal place for it. Nature grooms the herbs all by itself. By picking them manually and using traditional methods, we create beneficial natural products that soothe both body and soul.
“
A traditional culinary festival
Hiking trails in Idrija Geopark
www.visit-idrija.si
Vienna International Airport 440 km
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport 59 km
Idrija
Ronchi Airport 86 km
CRO
SLOVENIA
Zagreb Airport 196 km
WELCOME: TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE IDRIJA Mestni trg 2, 5280 Idrija t: +386 (0)5 37 43 916 e: tic@visit-idrija.si
Publisher: Idrija Heritage Centre, Ul. IX. korpusa 17, 5280 Idrija • Creative design, content and graphic design: Nea Culpa, Tourism Marketing Agency • Editing team: Sanja Marija Pellis, Nina Erjavec, Tadeja Bezeljak, Tina Bajt, Neja Petek • Photos: Mankica Kranjec, Marko Šinkovec, Robert Zabukovec, Gregor Kacin, Jani Peternelj, Dunja Wedam, Bojan Erhartič, Nea Culpa, Archive of Idrija Heritage Centre • Translation and proofreading: Urška Lahajnar Ubajiogu; Justi Carey • Print: Tiskarna ALE • January 2016