Slovenia is rich in gems of natural and cultural heritage. Certain gems are an important piece in the mosaic of world heritage and are under the auspices of UNESCO. The World Natural and Cultural Heritage List includes two natural and cultural sites, and a further five sites are on the Tentative List. The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of includes four special features of world heritage in Slovenia. In addition, Slovenia also appears in other UNESCO programmes – the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the Global Geoparks Network, on the UNESCO list of documentary heritage Memory of the World and on the List of Wetlands of International Importance. Discover the treasures of UNESCO in Slovenia.
The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage protects cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value for all nations and humanity as a whole. Among over 1,000 sites four Slovenian sites are included – two natural and two cultural sites.
The mysterious karst world has no shortage of natural wonders. One of its most mighty creations is the Škocjan Caves which with the largest underground canyon in Europe were the first in Slovenia to be entered on the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage List. Two natural reserves, i.e. the Krokar and Snežnik-Ždrolce primeval forests, which are part of UNESCO heritage of ancient and primeval beech forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe, are located not far away in the forests of Notranjska and Kočevsko.
This karst cave has the largest subterranean canyon in Europe that is 146 m high and it also has many kilometres of trails for visitors with no less than 500 steps. The trail leads you across incredible bridges allowing you to see underground waterfalls (there are no less than 26 in this cave system), grand halls, giant stalactites and stalagmites that have grown to 15 metres in height, and other underground creations made by the karst river. The area surrounding Škocjan Caves is a regional park – an area of protected natural and cultural heritage. Educational and biking trails take visitors around the park.
The areas of primal beech forests of the Carpathian Mountains and other European regions which are part of UNESCO World Heritage List are the most preserved parts of beech forests which have had an important role in the development and impact of beech ecosystems in Europe since the last glacial period 12,000 years ago. These areas include the forest reserves of the Krokar Primeval Forest and Snežnik-Ždrocle. The Krokar Primeval Forest is a splendid piece of unspoiled nature located in the heart of the Kočevje forests. This primeval forest has not yet been touched by humans, but it is home to indigenous species of beasts and birds. Ancient beech forests, which secured their spot in the UNESCO list with their preservation, also rustle in the Snežnik Ždrocle Reserve. Both reserves are part of the protected Natura 2000 network.
When you visit Idrija, you will notice the heritage of the former mercury mine at every step. The people of Idrija have turned the mining tradition into interesting tourist experiences to bring the spirit of the old days closer to each visitor. The Ljubljana Marshes used to be marked by pile-dwellers. Rich archaeological finds and artefacts, which are among the oldest in the world, give us an insight into their lives.
Idria and the Spanish town of Almaden are the keepers of the globally important mercury mining heritage. Anthony’s Underground Mining Tunnel, dating from 1500, is known as one of the oldest mine entrances in all of Europe. It is open for tours during which you can learn about old mining methods. What is more, there is also a mine dwarf waiting to surprise you. Numerous attractions in Idrija are connected with the mining heritage and the life of the former mining families: from the surprising technical heritage maintained by the museum at Gewerkenegg Castle to the tradition of original lace making.
Slovenia is one of the countries safekeeping the protected world heritage of the prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps. Around 40 locations with remnants of piles have been discovered in the Ljubljana Marshes; nine piles in two groups are included on UNESCO lists. The most important find is a 5,200-year-old wheel, which is considered to be the oldest wooden wheel with an axle in the world. Findings related to the pile-dwelling culture are on display in various museums, and the Ljubljana Marshes is a landscape park, where you can explore the natural features of the marshy area near Ljubljana.
Four UNESCO natural and cultural world heritage sites make Slovenia one of the richest guardians of the treasures of humanity in relation to its population. There are even more exceptional items from Slovenia on the Tentative List, on which items under consideration for World Heritage status are listed.
It is particularly important to preserve the cultural tradition passed on from generation to generation. Certain skills, knowledge and creativity of our predecessors are so extraordinary that they are worth protecting and preserving for future generations. Special attention to protecting and preserving oral tradition, dances, knowledge and skills can also be based on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which includes four sites in Slovenia.
The oldest Slovenian play has been re-enacted on the streets of the medieval town centre of Škofja Loka since its origin in the time of Baroque. Rich costumes and scenery and the numerous, over 900-member ensemble of local actors attract many visitors to Škofja Loka for every performance. This is a historical re-enactment, which is performed every six years due to its complexity. The next performance will take place in 2021. Škofja Loka Passion Play was entered on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
When you hear cowbells in the Ptuj area in February, you will surely know that spring is approaching. The bells are only a part of the costume of a Kurent, a traditional Shrovetide character, typical for Ptuj, the Drava Field, the Haloze Hills, and the Slovenske Gorice Hills. A Kurent wears a sheepskin, a distinctive head mask, high-ankle shoes, and red or green knitted socks. In its hand, it spins a ježevka, a thick stick with hedgehog spines. Its roots are from Slavic mythology, and it is considered to chase away winter and herald spring and a good harvest. The door-to-door rounds of Kurenti have been entered on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A unique tribute to this custom are the traditional Kurentovanje celebrations in Ptuj.
Bobbin lace is a unique artistic expression and one of the recognisable symbols of Slovenian identity. For centuries stunning products have been made by bobbin lacemakers, and the skill of bobbin twisting is passed on from generation to generation. Bobbin lacemaking is a manual production of lace by braiding, twisting and interlacing thread wound on special wooden spindles known as bobbins. Bobbing lacemaking is about following a pattern drawn on paper attached to a cylindrical pillow in a basket or on a special base. Today, Slovenia is home to over 120 bobbin lacemaking associations, sections and groups. Lace is meant to be a fashion accessory and decoration on clothes and home textiles, and today it is also an inspiration for artistic creations, in architecture and even cuisine.
Knowledge of bobbin lacemaking is also spread at lace schools. The first such school was established by Maria Theresa in 1763 in Ljubljana; the most known lace school today is the one in Idrija, which has been operating for over 140 years. It is home to the famous Idrija lace.
Dry-stone walling means that no binder is used during construction. Instead, the secret to its firmness is in the particular way stones are stacked up. It is popular around the Mediterranean area. In Slovenia, we can find it in the Karst region and Istria. The art of dry-stone walling, knowledge and techniques are on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage and connects eight European countries including Slovenia.
The UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves within the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) connects areas which are examples of land or coastal ecosystems outstanding natural and cultural value. The purpose of the network is to spread knowledge and exchange best practices in the field of sustainable development and preserving biodiversity in this field. The network also includes four Slovenia biosphere reserves.
Global and European networks of geoparks were formed within the framework of UNESCO. The networks include areas with exceptional geological characteristics and where special attention is dedicated to the landscape and the preservation and research of geological assets in the sense of sustainable development. There are currently two such geoparks in Slovenia, which are involved actively in the European and global networks of geoparks: the cross-border Karavanke/Karawanken Geopark and the Idrija Geopark.
Karavanke/Karawanken Geopark lies between Mežica and Mt Peca and extends to the Austrian side. It boasts unique flora and beautiful minerals, which can be rarely seen anywhere else in the world. Some of the minerals were exploited below Mt Peca and Mt Obir as ore in the past, but today they can be admired in museums. Unforgettable adventures await you in the deserted mine in Mežica where you can explore the underground of Mt Peca by bike or kayak. The powerful natural forces have also formed beautiful caves with stalactites and stalagmites below Mt Obir.
Idrija Geopark stretches over the area of the eponymous municipality. Diverse geological soil composition was the basis for the development of the mercury mine, which was once the second largest mercury mine in the world. Today the mine and its appertaining infrastructure serve tourism purposes. Natural gems of the area include the Wild Lake (Divje jezero) and Zgornja Idrijca Natural Park. Higher sections of the geopark provide excellent opportunities for recreation. Bikers and hikers can enjoy this area in the summer, while skiing is possible in winter on the Vojsko and Črni Vrh plateaus. To regain your strength, try Idrija žlikrofi, while some will be enchanted by the delicate art of Idrija lace.
The Memory of the World is the UNESCO list of documentary heritage. It includes the Codex Suprasliensis, an Old Church Slavonic Cyrillic manuscript, which is deemed the oldest preserved written document in a Slavic language. The manuscript originated from Bulgaria, and later found itself in Poland; part of the manuscript ended up on Slovenian soil thanks to the Slovenian linguist Jernej Kopitar. Today, it is kept at the National and University Library in Ljubljana.
Follow in the footsteps of UNESCO heritage in Slovenia and experience it in the best possible ways. You can also discover other precious assets of Slovenian nature and culture in the process.
Six special heritage features are also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Explore and experience them in the most interesting ways.
The images of Slovenia that will leave a lasting impression.
Activities among the highest mountains and the wildest waters.
Global surprises from salt pans to karst caves.
Feeling good between health resorts and wine-growing hills.
Liveliness of the capital and nature hikes – to primeval forests.
Julian Alps - a paradise for active adventures and relaxation in nature.
The world of underground wonders, stunning natural phenomena and unique tastes.
Don’t just visit the most famous Slovenian caves! If you visit the Karst, make sure to take this publication with its list of numerous other special features of this surprising landscape.
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