Want to know more about Idrija holidays before going you go?
Rejuvenated cultural heritage attractions
and well-preserved natural landmarks are
attracting more and more visitors to the
town. The areas surrounding Idrija offer
various activities throughout the year, from
fishing and skiing to hiking and swimming.
There are numerous art galleries, museums
and exhibition halls for Idrija’s lace-making
school, which host vast collections dedicated
to local history and crafts. And, if you’re
feeling hungry, don’t forget to try some
of local specialities such as idrijski žlikrofi,
bakalca and smukavc.
The history
Idrija’s story dates back to the 15th century,
to the accidental discovery of mercury by
a local tub maker ‘Škafar’. Following this
discovery, Idrija began opening its doors
to the world and soon became famous for
its ‘liquid gold’. In the 18th Century a Holy
Trinity Chapel was constructed at the end
of ‘Anthony’s Shaft’, the original entrance
and oldest part of the mine. Miners prayed
at the chapel for a safe return home, before
descending some 1,000 steps to begin their
work 200 metres under the ground. Today,
several shafts have been turned into a museum,
enabling visitors to journey several
meters underground and experience something
of what the miners felt hundreds of
years ago. The Municipality Museum reveals
the mine’s geological treasures and offers a
glimpse into its history, describing the miners’
lives and work underground.
Regeneration and revival
After 500 years of operation the mercury
mine closed, heavily impacting the local
economy and employment prospects for
people in Idrija. Since its closure, local authority
projects have regenerated local
land marks, attracting new tourists to Idrija,
helping the local economy to recover and
flourish. The projects were aimed at reviving
industrial heritage and preserving the
natural environment. New activities such
as the Lace festival, sports marathons,
new hiking and cycling routes, contribute
to making Idrija such an interesting and
unique destination.
Sustainable tourism in the area
The local authorities focused on the preservation
of natural, cultural and technical
heritage. The effect of half a century of mining
is evident today in the minds of local
inhabitants, who are acutely aware of their
impact on the local environment. Their concern
is seen through the support and care
that locals give to new sustainable projects
that focus on reviving local traditions. Introducing
a new infrastructure to support
tourism is also done in a way that does not
detract from the area’s natural beauty.
