IDRIJA UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK

United Nations Educational, ScientiďŹ c and Cultural Organization

IDRIJA

UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK Active adventure in nature The Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark includes a geologically exceptionally interesting area in the western part of Slovenia. It includes the Municipality of Idrija and covers the area of 294 km². Numerous geological features, as well as a unique natural and cultural heritage impress many visitors. The Idrija Geopark is a heaven for active nature lovers, regardless of the season. You are welcome to visit it, experience the hospitality of the locals and witness the interesting stories written by people and the nature that surrounds this location.

Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark

The European Geoparks Network (EGN) and The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark is included in EGN and GGN. UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. Their bottom-up approach of combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities is becoming increasingly popular.

A UNESCO Global Geopark uses its geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society. UNESCO Global Geoparks give local people a sense of pride in their region and strengthen their identification with the area. The creation of innovative local enterprises, new jobs and high quality training courses is stimulated as new sources of revenue are generated through geotourism, while the geological resources of the area are protected.

The beautiful Idrija fault

Delicious Idrija’s žlikrofi

Delicate Idrija Lace

EGN Week in Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark The European Geopark Network organizes every year the European Geoparks Week with the participation and contribution of the member Geoparks. The European Geoparks Week, taking place at late May early June each year, is a European – wide festival of Geoparks aimed at raising public awareness of geoconservation and promotion of the geological heritage as well as events aimed at informing the wide public about geotouristic and educational activities in geoparks. Events are varied and include public talks, activity days for schools, guided walks, exhibitions, workshops ,etc.

Idrija Municipal Museum

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Explore the Upper Idrijca Regional Park: treat yourself to a refreshing swim in the natural swimming spot at Lajšt, go fishing in the crystal-clear waters of the Idrijca, or visit one of the greatest of nature’s beauties, a peculiar and mysterious Divje jezero (Wild Lake). Perhaps you would like to hike to the majestic water barrier of Klavže, also known as the “Slovene Pyramids”, or take a walk along the path of the Slovene natural scientists along the Rake water channel; A family or a couple experience: visit picturesque cycling and hiking thematic trails, explore the rich heritage of the Idrijsko and its magnificent botanical treasures along the way. A warm welcome to the European Geoparks Week (May/June); Visit the Vojskarsko plateau, the Gačnik gorge, or feast your eyes upon the beautiful Idrija fault; Visit fossilized dinosaur’s footprints in the vicinity of Godovič; Descend into Anthony’s Main Road, into the secret underworld of Idrija’s mercury mine, which was awarded a place upon UNESCO’S World Heritage List; Visit the renovated Hg Smeltery: a dynamic and educational tour about mercury ore mining; Visit Kamšt, the mine pump dating from 1790, and is famous for its driving wheel with a diameter of 13.6 m, reputed as being the largest preserved wooden water wheel of its kind in Europe; Attempt to create a delicate Idrija lace: visit exhibitions of this magnificent craft that was made by skilful and diligent lace makers from Idrija and try your hand at it at the local School of Lace. Welcome to the Idrija Lace Festival (June)!

Take a tour of the typical miner’s house with its characteristic elements of Idrija’s architectural and preserved living spaces; Learn about 500 years of Idrija’s history at the Idrija Municipal Museum, located in the Gewerkenegg Castle; Indulge yourself in an excellent gastronomic experience: taste Idrija’s žlikrofi (Idrija dumplings) with their characteristic Napoleon’s hat shape, which have a traditional specialty guaranteed and are protected and certified.

Make sure you also experience other local delicacies: zeljševka, smukavc, štruklji, ocvirkovca, geruš (miners’ absinthe). And welcome to the Festival of Idrija Žlikrofi (August)!

Klavže-the majestic water barrier

Droplets of native mercury and cinnabar ore

Anthony’s Main Road

The mysterious “Wild Lake”

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Visit Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark during EGN Week Information: www.geopark-idrija.si \ www.visit-idrija.si Information: TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE IDRIJA, Mestni trg 2, 5280 Idrija +386 (0)5 37 43 916 \ tic@visit-idrija.si \ www.geopark-idrija.si \ www.visit-idrija.si

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Heritage of Mercury.

Almadén and Idrija inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2012

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Publisher and organisation: Idrija Heritage Centre / Design: Jani Peternelj / Translation: Vanja Živković Sedej / Print: UNITIS d.o.o.

Photographers: Bojan Tavčar, source: Idrija Municipal Museum, Samo Trebižan, Robert Zabukovec, Gregor Kacin, Jani Peternelj, source: www.visit-idrija.si Number of copies: 1000 / February, 2018