SLOVENIA

SLOVENIASLOVENIAAssistant Professor Lučka Lorber, Ph.DAssistant Professor Lučka Lorber, Ph.D

University of MariborUniversity of MariborFaculty of Faculty of ArtsArts

Department of GeographyDepartment of Geography

Slovenia in BriefSlovenia in Brief

• Area: 20,273 km2Population: 2,053.740 (30.9.2010)Capital city: LjubljanaLanguage: Slovene; also Italian and Hungarian in nationally mixed areas Currency: euro (since 1 January 2007)

• Important dates:-Independence - 25 June 1991-Member of EU - 1 May 2004-Introduction of the euro - 1 January 2007

The Republic of Slovenia lies at the heart of The Republic of Slovenia lies at the heart of Europe, where the Alps face the Pannonian Europe, where the Alps face the Pannonian plains and the Mediterranean meets the plains and the Mediterranean meets the mysterious Karst. To the north is Austria; mysterious Karst. To the north is Austria; Hungary is to the east; Croatia to the south Hungary is to the east; Croatia to the south and Italy to the west.and Italy to the west.

Slovenia – the LandscapeSlovenia – the Landscape

Triglav, the highest mountain of Slovenia's Julian Alps. For its exceptional Triglav, the highest mountain of Slovenia's Julian Alps. For its exceptional beauty, the Slovenes have chosen their highest mountain peak, Triglav beauty, the Slovenes have chosen their highest mountain peak, Triglav (2,864m), as their national symbol. Most of the Slovene land is mountainous. (2,864m), as their national symbol. Most of the Slovene land is mountainous. Alpine mountains cover 4/10 of the entire national territory. Alpine mountains cover 4/10 of the entire national territory.


Logarska dolina - The valley of Logarska in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps is one Logarska dolina - The valley of Logarska in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps is one of the most beautiful and peaceful glacial valleys in Europe. Protected since of the most beautiful and peaceful glacial valleys in Europe. Protected since 1987. 1987.


Rakov Škocjan. The massive natural bridge in the regional park of Rakov Rakov Škocjan. The massive natural bridge in the regional park of Rakov Škocjan is considered to be a true karstic gem. Škocjan is considered to be a true karstic gem.


Planinsko polje (Planina polje). Slovenia has become known to the world for Planinsko polje (Planina polje). Slovenia has become known to the world for its Kras (Karst), which has given the name to many karstic features around its Kras (Karst), which has given the name to many karstic features around the world (polje for a karstic field, doline for sinkhole and so forth). The the world (polje for a karstic field, doline for sinkhole and so forth). The most interesting karstic lakes are both intermittent and seasonal, and there most interesting karstic lakes are both intermittent and seasonal, and there are 25 such "polje" lakes in the Notranjska region alone. are 25 such "polje" lakes in the Notranjska region alone.


Sečovlje salt-pans. The Sečovlje salt-pans still produce salt using Sečovlje salt-pans. The Sečovlje salt-pans still produce salt using traditional methods. Part of the area has been designated as a nature traditional methods. Part of the area has been designated as a nature reserve and ornithologists have recorded over 150 different species of reserve and ornithologists have recorded over 150 different species of bird here. bird here.


Koper. The largest coastal town and Slovenia's only commercial port. The Koper. The largest coastal town and Slovenia's only commercial port. The Port of Koper provides the shortest route from Central Europe to the Port of Koper provides the shortest route from Central Europe to the Mediterranean and is Slovenia's maritime gateway to the world. Despite Mediterranean and is Slovenia's maritime gateway to the world. Despite industrial growth it has preserved its old centre untouched. industrial growth it has preserved its old centre untouched.


Pohorje, the Black Lake. The 50 kilometre-long Pohorje massif, with Pohorje, the Black Lake. The 50 kilometre-long Pohorje massif, with its extensive forests, is the green lungs of Štajerska. its extensive forests, is the green lungs of Štajerska.


Bela Krajina (Plešivica). The southernmost Slovene region and foremost Bela Krajina (Plešivica). The southernmost Slovene region and foremost region of traditions still observed in everyday life. It is a plain with region of traditions still observed in everyday life. It is a plain with occasional karstic features, with forests dominating in the lower ground and occasional karstic features, with forests dominating in the lower ground and slopes studded with vineyards. slopes studded with vineyards.


The River Mura in the The River Mura in the Pomurje region. In its 98 Pomurje region. In its 98 km-long Slovene section km-long Slovene section the River Mura (rises in the River Mura (rises in the Alps of Austria's High the Alps of Austria's High Tauern) becomes a typical Tauern) becomes a typical Pannonian lowland river, Pannonian lowland river, meandering back and meandering back and forth across the plains of forth across the plains of Pomurje. Pomurje.

Slovenia – LjubljanaSlovenia – Ljubljana

Ljubljana. The centre of trade, culture and education, the capital and largest Ljubljana. The centre of trade, culture and education, the capital and largest city (population 330,000) nestles between the castle hill and the Ljubljanica city (population 330,000) nestles between the castle hill and the Ljubljanica river. river.


The main building of the University. The Slovenes only founded their own The main building of the University. The Slovenes only founded their own university in 1919, but at least as many Slovene scholars as were needed to make university in 1919, but at least as many Slovene scholars as were needed to make up such an institution of higher education had been dispersed throughout up such an institution of higher education had been dispersed throughout Europe ever since the 12th century. Europe ever since the 12th century.


Tromostovje (Triple Bridge). One of the symbols of the city, designed in 1929 by Tromostovje (Triple Bridge). One of the symbols of the city, designed in 1929 by Jože Plečnik (1872-1957). Jože Plečnik (1872-1957).


Ljubljanica riverbanks. Medieval buildings mirrored in the river. Ljubljanica riverbanks. Medieval buildings mirrored in the river.


The reading room in The reading room in the National and the National and University Library in University Library in Ljubljana. The Ljubljana. The building constructed building constructed in 1941, represents in 1941, represents one of architect Jože one of architect Jože Plečnik's most Plečnik's most monumental works. monumental works.

Slovenia – Natural and Cultural HeritageSlovenia – Natural and Cultural Heritage

The noble Lipizzaner horse originated in Lipica, Slovenia, where the The noble Lipizzaner horse originated in Lipica, Slovenia, where the stud farm was established in 1580. stud farm was established in 1580.


The variety of wildlife in the Slovene forests - with a little luck The variety of wildlife in the Slovene forests - with a little luck you might encounter a bear, especially in the forests of Kočevje you might encounter a bear, especially in the forests of Kočevje area. area.


Proteus anguinus. The proteus or olm, known locally as "human fish" , was Proteus anguinus. The proteus or olm, known locally as "human fish" , was discovered in the Karst. This endemic animal is considered to be the trademark of discovered in the Karst. This endemic animal is considered to be the trademark of Slovene speleology. Slovene speleology.


Zois' Bellflower (Campanula Zois' Bellflower (Campanula zoysii). Around 3000 highland zoysii). Around 3000 highland plants (ferns and seed-bearing plants (ferns and seed-bearing plants) grow in Slovenia, and plants) grow in Slovenia, and approximately 70 of them are approximately 70 of them are endemic. Zois' bellflower was endemic. Zois' bellflower was found more than 200 years ago found more than 200 years ago in the Bohinj Alps and on in the Bohinj Alps and on Storžič; it grows in the Julian Storžič; it grows in the Julian and Kamnik Alps and in the and Kamnik Alps and in the Karavanke. Karavanke.


Maribor - 400 year-Old Vine. The heart of Maribor's old town, Lent, Maribor - 400 year-Old Vine. The heart of Maribor's old town, Lent, provides refuge for the Old Vine. It is thought to be the oldest in the world, provides refuge for the Old Vine. It is thought to be the oldest in the world, but still offers up its juice. but still offers up its juice.


Cerkniško jezero (Lake Cerknica). The intermittent Lake Cerknica (26 sq. km), Cerkniško jezero (Lake Cerknica). The intermittent Lake Cerknica (26 sq. km), a world-ranking attraction. It is a lake for half the year in which one can fish a world-ranking attraction. It is a lake for half the year in which one can fish and, in winter, skate on the frozen surface. It starts to disappear in spring and and, in winter, skate on the frozen surface. It starts to disappear in spring and leaves behind a polje (field), where farmers cut hay through the summer. leaves behind a polje (field), where farmers cut hay through the summer.


The Ljubljana Barje (Marshland). Ljubljansko Barje lies to the south-west The Ljubljana Barje (Marshland). Ljubljansko Barje lies to the south-west of Ljubljana. This unique landscape is a highly diverse and rich ecosystem of Ljubljana. This unique landscape is a highly diverse and rich ecosystem for aquatic and marsh birds. for aquatic and marsh birds.


Štanjel. A typical old karst settlement clinging on below the top of a Štanjel. A typical old karst settlement clinging on below the top of a hill. Štanjel has an attractive garden created by Slovene architect, hill. Štanjel has an attractive garden created by Slovene architect, Max Fabiani, between 1920 and 1930. Max Fabiani, between 1920 and 1930.


Ptuj, one of the oldest Ptuj, one of the oldest Slovene towns. With its Slovene towns. With its two-thousand-year two-thousand-year history, Ptuj is a museum history, Ptuj is a museum in itself. The town lies on in itself. The town lies on Roman foundations beside Roman foundations beside the old crossing over the the old crossing over the Drava river. Drava river.


Maribor, Main square. Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia. The Maribor, Main square. Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia. The city developed along the river Drava and acquired town rights in 1254. city developed along the river Drava and acquired town rights in 1254. Main square with plague monument. Mary's Column with the six Main square with plague monument. Mary's Column with the six statuettes was erected in 1743. statuettes was erected in 1743.


The Gothic and Baroque The Gothic and Baroque styles prevail in styles prevail in numerous (Roman numerous (Roman Catholic) churches, Catholic) churches, which are often located which are often located on hilltops. on hilltops.

Slovenia – TourismSlovenia – Tourism

Lake Bled. The combination of natural wonders and unique culture and Lake Bled. The combination of natural wonders and unique culture and history attracts visitors. Among the most frequently visited locations, the history attracts visitors. Among the most frequently visited locations, the Alpine Lake Bled area ranks first. The castle, dating back to 1111, and Alpine Lake Bled area ranks first. The castle, dating back to 1111, and the "pletna" rowing-boats are two of the many attractions. the "pletna" rowing-boats are two of the many attractions.


Piran, one of the oldest, most picturesque and distinct towns Piran, one of the oldest, most picturesque and distinct towns along the Slovene coast, often referred to as a living museum. along the Slovene coast, often referred to as a living museum.


Portorož. The main tourist centre of the Slovene coast Portorož. The main tourist centre of the Slovene coast is the summer and spa resort of Portorož, which also is the summer and spa resort of Portorož, which also features a marina.features a marina.


From one of the many wine cellars in Slovenia. The Slovene lands include From one of the many wine cellars in Slovenia. The Slovene lands include three completely different wine-growing regions: Podravska (north-east), three completely different wine-growing regions: Podravska (north-east), Posavska (south) and Primorska (south-west). Posavska (south) and Primorska (south-west).

Slovenia – TourismSlovenia – TourismDelicious "kraški Delicious "kraški pršut" - air-dried pršut" - air-dried ham. Karst ham - ham. Karst ham - one of the one of the specialities of the specialities of the coastal region coastal region cuisine, served with cuisine, served with olives, home-made olives, home-made cheese, various cheese, various seafood salads and seafood salads and Karst Teran wine. Karst Teran wine.


Rural tourism is well-developed throughout Slovenia. It offers a range of Rural tourism is well-developed throughout Slovenia. It offers a range of holiday programmes, including hiking, climbing, riding, cycling, boating holiday programmes, including hiking, climbing, riding, cycling, boating and fishing, shooting the rapids in kayaks, bathing in rivers and lakes, and fishing, shooting the rapids in kayaks, bathing in rivers and lakes, playing tennis or golf, hang-gliding and skiing. playing tennis or golf, hang-gliding and skiing.


Zdravilišče Rogaška Slatina (Rogaška Health Spa). Slovenia's health spas Zdravilišče Rogaška Slatina (Rogaška Health Spa). Slovenia's health spas have a tradition stretching back for centuries. The famous spa of Rogaška have a tradition stretching back for centuries. The famous spa of Rogaška Slatina is over 400 years old. Napoleon and Austrian Emperors experienced Slatina is over 400 years old. Napoleon and Austrian Emperors experienced their healing waters. The tradition of glass making has turned the nearby their healing waters. The tradition of glass making has turned the nearby factory Rogaška glassworks into a world leader in crystal production. factory Rogaška glassworks into a world leader in crystal production.


A magnificent world under the Earth's surface. The stalagmite and stalactite A magnificent world under the Earth's surface. The stalagmite and stalactite rich karstic underground world is already very popular, thanks to the rich karstic underground world is already very popular, thanks to the Postojna Caves. The best-known show caves are the Postojna Caves, Pivka Postojna Caves. The best-known show caves are the Postojna Caves, Pivka and Erna Caves, Planinska Cave, Škocjan Caves, Vilenica and Križna Cave. and Erna Caves, Planinska Cave, Škocjan Caves, Vilenica and Križna Cave.

Slovenia – HistorySlovenia – History

The Freising The Freising Manuscripts (9th cent.). Manuscripts (9th cent.). The first known written The first known written records in the Slovene records in the Slovene language go back to the language go back to the end of the first end of the first millennium. Known as millennium. Known as the Freising the Freising manuscripts, they are manuscripts, they are preserved in the State preserved in the State Archives in Munich. Archives in Munich.

Slovenia – HistorySlovenia – HistoryMap of the Slovene Lands, Map of the Slovene Lands, first published in 1853 by first published in 1853 by Peter Kozler. Slovenia is Peter Kozler. Slovenia is proud of this Map of the proud of this Map of the Slovene Lands that was first Slovene Lands that was first published in 1853 by Peter published in 1853 by Peter Kozler. The first descriptions Kozler. The first descriptions and cartographic works on and cartographic works on the area date to the times of the area date to the times of the Austrian Empire. In 1689 the Austrian Empire. In 1689 a book on "The Glory of the a book on "The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola" provided Duchy of Carniola" provided some of the earliest detail on some of the earliest detail on the areas settled by the the areas settled by the Slovenes. Slovenes. ))))


The democratic ritual of the enthronement of Carinthian princes on a stone The democratic ritual of the enthronement of Carinthian princes on a stone throne was unique in feudal Europe. Until the coming of the Franks, the throne was unique in feudal Europe. Until the coming of the Franks, the Slovenes had their own administration and elected their own rulers. Slovenes had their own administration and elected their own rulers. (Detail (Detail from a fresco by Gojmir Anton Kos (1896-1979))from a fresco by Gojmir Anton Kos (1896-1979))


Franciscan monastery of Kostanjevica near Nova Gorica. The Franciscan monastery of Kostanjevica near Nova Gorica. The monastery of Kostanjevica, built in the 17th century, boasts a rich monastery of Kostanjevica, built in the 17th century, boasts a rich library collection and also the crypt of the last of the royal line of the library collection and also the crypt of the last of the royal line of the Bourbons. Bourbons.


Javorca nad Tolminom - Church of the Holy Spirit. Built Javorca nad Tolminom - Church of the Holy Spirit. Built in 1916 by Austro-Hungarian soldiers in memory of the in 1916 by Austro-Hungarian soldiers in memory of the thousands of victims of the First World War in this area. thousands of victims of the First World War in this area.

Slovenia – EthnologySlovenia – Ethnology

Beehive at Muljava. Painted beehive panels - unique in the world. Beehive at Muljava. Painted beehive panels - unique in the world. Honey production has a long tradition in Slovenia. At the end of the Honey production has a long tradition in Slovenia. At the end of the 18th century the Vienna court apiarist, Slovene Anton Janša, bred a 18th century the Vienna court apiarist, Slovene Anton Janša, bred a native species of Carniolian bee. native species of Carniolian bee.


Home-made wooden Home-made wooden goods. Some Slovene goods. Some Slovene regions became and regions became and remain famous for remain famous for certain products. The certain products. The people of the Ribnica people of the Ribnica area are known for their area are known for their home-made wooden home-made wooden items, called locally suha items, called locally suha roba. Their merchandise roba. Their merchandise can still be found at can still be found at markets.markets.


Idrija lace. Traditional Idrija lace. Traditional handicrafts can still be handicrafts can still be found in many rural found in many rural areas of Slovenia: lace, areas of Slovenia: lace, woodcarving, pottery, woodcarving, pottery, crystal, as well as other crystal, as well as other products are living proof products are living proof of Slovenia's ethnic pride of Slovenia's ethnic pride and heritage. and heritage.

Slovenia – EthnologySlovenia – EthnologyThe "toplar" hayrack. The "toplar" hayrack. A special feature of the A special feature of the land is the hayrack, a land is the hayrack, a simple wooden simple wooden construction for construction for drying hay. Some drying hay. Some thirty different types thirty different types can be distinguished can be distinguished by their construction, by their construction, most of them found most of them found only in Slovenia. only in Slovenia.

Slovenia – EthnologySlovenia – EthnologyKlopotec - bird-Klopotec - bird-scaring rattle. scaring rattle. Klopotec - a wooden Klopotec - a wooden device for scaring device for scaring birds away from birds away from vineyards. The vineyards. The klopotec that can still klopotec that can still be found in the be found in the north-east of north-east of Slovenia is an Slovenia is an original Slovene original Slovene product. product.


Pannonian house. Colourful houses and unique constructions Pannonian house. Colourful houses and unique constructions made of wood, straw, mud and thatched roof can still be made of wood, straw, mud and thatched roof can still be found in the region of Prekmurje. found in the region of Prekmurje.


Kurent - Carnival spirit. Kurent, a fearsome Kurent - Carnival spirit. Kurent, a fearsome "Pust" (carnival) figure bringing luck and "Pust" (carnival) figure bringing luck and abundant crops, comes from Ptujsko polje. abundant crops, comes from Ptujsko polje.


Traditional ornament - painted eggs Traditional ornament - painted eggs

from Bela Krajina. from Bela Krajina.


Potica - a pastry for festive occasions. This excellent, original, almost Potica - a pastry for festive occasions. This excellent, original, almost sculptured cake is a Slovene speciality. The recipes are a kind of sculptured cake is a Slovene speciality. The recipes are a kind of family secret, passing from generation to generation like folk songs. family secret, passing from generation to generation like folk songs.

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