Treasures of UNESCO in Slovenia
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.
UNESCO world natural and cultural heritage
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.
Richness of nature
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.

Škocjan Caves
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.
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Primal beech forests in Slovenia
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.
Treasures of cultural heritage
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.

Idrija and its mercury heritage
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.
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The Ljubljana pile-dwellers and the oldest wheel in the world
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.
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Works by Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana – Human Centred Urban Design
The architect Jože Plečnik left a strong mark on the Slovenian capital. His architectural masterpieces, which provide the city with its recognisable panorama, have made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The selected works of outstanding value to humanity include sites along the water and land axis, such as the embankments of the Ljubljanica River from the Trnovo Promenade to the Sluice Gate, prominently featuring the Central Market and the Triple Bridge, National and University Library and the Križanke open-air theatre. Also placed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list are the Roman Wall archaeological park, renovated under Plečnik's plans, the Žale Cemetery in Ljubljana and the churches of St. Michael in Črna Vas and of St. Francis of Assisi in the Ljubljana borough of Šiška.
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