Idrija - Slovenia - developed in a basin in the middle of a wooded area

The Municipality of Idrija covers an area of 293 sq km and has 12,000 residents. It spans the upper river basin of the Idrijca and the picturesque mountains, representing a transition between the subalpine and karst regions. This region is known for its abundance of natural sights and cultural-historical as well as technical monuments. The town of Idrija (population 7,000)developed in a basin in the middle of a wooded area. It was here in 1490 that a rich deposit of mercury ore was discovered. Now, Idrija’s famous mercury mine, which was the second largest mercury mine in the world, has closed after 500 years. In spite of this, the people of Idrija are committed to preserving the miners’ tradition and cultural heritage. The new up-and-coming industries are more in alignment with modern economic trends. Let us mention some of the best-known companies: Kolektor in Idrija - a manufacturer of commutators; Rotomatika, and Ydria Motors in Spodnja Idrija - producing electric motors and their components; IMP-Klima in Godovic - producing component parts for air-conditioning; and Iles - furniture manufacturer.

As the administrative center of the municipality, Idrija’s schools, health services, and cultural life are well-developed and tourism promoted. The centuries-old lace-making tradition has made Idrija famous, and this craft has been practiced here for 300 years. Idrija’s lace-making school has been active for more than 120 years, and at the end of every August a traditional Lace Festival is organized. Visitors to Idrija can see a collection of restored mining facilities and historical sights that testify to its extraordinary past.

The oldest part of the mine - Anthony’s Shaft, which dates from the year 1500, and the underground chapel from the 18th century - is open for visitors. The magnificent Gewerkenegg Castle from 1533 houses the extensive collections of the Idrija Municipal Museum, which was declared the European technical and industrial heritage museum of 1997. The castle courtyard also serves as a venue for summer cultural events.

There are quite a few points of interest to be mentioned: the Franciska mine shaft, the Technicals Museum, the Kamst from 1790 (a pump with a water wheel measuring 13.6 meters in diameter), the Klavze (an over 200-years-old river-gate used for log transportation), a miner’s house from the 18th century, the church of the Holy Trinity (built in 1500), and the first Slovene non-classical secondary school (1901). There is an old public school (1876) with a lace-making department, and the “Switzerland” building, where the famous botanist J.A. Scopoli was a practicing doctor. Another attraction well worth visiting is Divje jezero (Wild lake) near Idrija, and an authentically kept Slovene partisan printing-house from 1944, at Vojsko. The Idrija area and the Zgornja Idrijca (Upper Idrijca) natural park offer extensive possibilities for holidays and relaxation. A visitor is surrounded by unspoiled nature, abundant woods, and well-kept farms. This area provides opportunities for cycling, hunting, fishing, riding, skiing, swimming, and enjoying the traditional culinary arts at the local gostilnas and farms. The home-style dish zlikorfi (local style ravioli) is worth a special mention.

The village of Spodnja Idrija (1156) lies in the widened valley of the Idrijca River (at the main road Keltika.) The original parochial center, it is more than 300 years older than Idrija. The old heart of the village is well preserved. The first small church above the river was first mentioned in the 12th century, and the oldest farms were mentioned in the archives in the 14th century. This place is famous for its baroque pilgrim church Our Lady of the Assumption, with frescoes painted by Jozef Mrak in the 18th century.

The opposite river bank is dominated by the Kenda Manor, which used to be the home of wealthy landowners. Today, after a decade-long restoration, it is one of the most beautiful architectural tourist attractions in Slovenia. The noble tradition of the past is revived with much love and devotion. The Kenda Manor is part of the Schlosshotel chain.

Tourist-Information Center
Lapajnetova 7
SI-5280 Idrija
Tel. + 386 65 73 898
Fax + 386 65 73 898
E-mail

Town Museum of Idrija
Prelovceva 9
SI-5280 Idrija
Tel. + 386 65 71 135
+ 386 65 73 533
Fax + 386 65 73 580

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Mercury mine of Idrija - Anthony’s Shaft
Arkova 43
SI-5280 Idrija
Tel. + 386 65 71 142
+ 386 65 71 162
Fax + 386 65 71 142

Kenda Manor-House
Na gricu 2
SI-5281 Spodnja Idrija
Tel. + 386 65 176 490
Fax + 386 651 76 475

Lacemaking school
Prelovceva ulica 2
SI-5280 Idrija
Tel. + 386 65 73 313