West – Green Karst Slovenian war of independence A special place in the collection belongs to the T-55 tank which entered Slovenian streets on 26 June 1991 from the barracks of what is today the Military Park, and opposed the Yugoslav army over the just liberated Republic of Slovenia. This event has made the location of the Park very symbolic as it was where the war for Slovenia’s independence began and it was also the first armed conflict in Europe after WW2. A reminder of the dramatic events of 1991 is the gazelle TO-001 Velenje helicopter, the first aircraft of the Slovenian armed forces. Photos: Simon Avsec, Andrej Kogovšek
Park of Military History Pivka
A unique museum and tourist centre
Throughout the centuries many empires, kingdoms and countries have tried to subordinate and fortify the broader area of the Postojna Gate (also known as the Gate of Italy) as this has always represented one of the most important strategic points in Europe. The rich military history of the area is now exhibited in Pivka and includes a vast national tank artillery collection containing examples of American, Soviet and Yugoslav tanks, and cannons left behind by various armies on the territory of what is today the Republic of Slovenia. The Park of Military History Pivka is a unique museum and tourist centre in Central Europe offering its visitors an outstanding experience and an insight into the diverse history of this part of the world. WW2 exhibits The most interesting exhibits date back to the Second World War. You can see the famous Soviet T-34 tank, the most typical armoured vehicle of the eastern front and the American Stuart and Sherman tanks from the western front.
Zeta submarine The Park is also home to a submarine. The largest and heaviest exhibit of the museum, a P-913 Zeta submarine, represents an important engineering legacy of Slovenia. The inside of the submarine can also be seen making the entire experience truly unforgettable. Visitors can learn about its mysterious operations and experience how it was to live in a small, cramped place deep under the sea.
Where history meets nature Visitors who would like to learn about history in the embrace of unspoilt nature should walk the Circular Trail of Military History. Hikers can see the former Italian fortress at Primož and continue to the Šilentabor Castle where the largest Slovenian fort, used against the Turks, stood. Continuing through the tourist village of Narin visitors then return to the starting point - the Park of Military History Pivka.
62
km
•Ljubljana
Pivka•
Park of Military History Pivka Kolodvorska cesta 51, Pivka T: +386 5 721 21 80 tank.pivka@siol.net, www.parkvojaskezgodovine.si
28
The Slovenia Times | Summer guide 2013