Škofja Loka, the most preserved medieval town in Slovenia is a cultural hub.
At the centre of Slovenia, where the Alps begin to incline towards the sea, where thousand-year old impressions of culture, art and nature beckon to be explored. Discover Škofja Loka, a mystical town of great drama.
Where new memories are created
Beautiful and mystical Škofja Loka is home to the Škofja Loka Passion Play, world famous and oldest ongoing Slovene drama. It is also the largest outdoor theatre production in the country.
Every year, during the time of the Passion Play, visitors to the town can become a part of the staging of the play, which is based on a text from 1721. Experience a live masterpiece, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The setting for the performance is the streets of the genuine medieval town where, throughout the year, you can allow your feelings to instantly transform you into a Lord, destined for Loka Castle, or for one of the other nearby castles, or become the legendary black from the town’s coat-of-arms, a monk returning to his paperwork behind the walls of the Capuchin Monastery, a traveller, who on the Capuchin Bridge, also known as the Stone Bridge, looks around at the tollhouse, or a creator who brings materials from the green countryside for craft masterpieces or ingredients for culinary delights.
Note: on the path of the Škofja Loka Passion Play answers to all your questions can be found! Inspiration can be found at every step taken through the town at the confluence of two rivers. Here, and in the green surroundings, numerous artists, writers, and other masters, have found inspiration. Škofja Loka is the birthplace of Slovene Impressionism and a place of creative experiences. Come and experience for yourself!
Cultural sights of interest
The Škofja Loka area has a thousand faces of cultural heritage. These are evidenced by castles and manors, noteworthy churches and memorials. From towns with historical houses, bridges over rivers and to places with an idiosyncratic architectural heritage, they lead ever higher — to the fortifications on the Rupnik Line and the Rapallo Border. There will never be a lack of goals to achieve!
Castles and Mansions and notable churches.
The Škofja Loka area is dotted with numerous castles and mansions. The earliest date back to the 13th century, others were completely transformed after the great earthquake of 1511, and the ‘youngest’ among them were built as recently as the 17th century. There is a wealth of history and legends amongst them. Dozens of churches are dotted among the Škofja Loka hills and valleys. Many of them are adorned by unique altars, frescoes and glassworks by famous masters, which create an impression on each and every visitor.
The castles and mansions were built in carefully chosen locations, which visitors from far and wide still find breathtaking today. Some also contain museums that invite visitors to acquaint themselves with the history and way of life in the Škofja Loka area in past centuries.
Historic houses and museum collections, memorials and monuments
Historic houses and museum collections acquaint visitors with tales of life. Some demonstrate the lives of small farmers and cottagers in the Škofja Loka area, whilst others show the life of well-known Slovene painters. Birth houses of Škofja Loka artists are a starting point for understanding the creativiness and rich artistic tradition in the area. The beautifully preserved houses and collections, which have been professionally and lovingly restored, attract many visitors.
The diverse history and large number of people who had great influence in the areas of their work and creativity, are reflected in monuments and memorials erected in their honour.
Architectural heritage and bridges
The Škofja Loka area boasts a rich architectural heritage, which has been created and developed over many centuries. You can see modest country farmhouses as well as magnificent mansions and townhouses, which have been built over the centuries under the influence of various architectural styles.
The Selca, Poljane Sora and Sora rivers shaped the landscape and the people who live by them. There are numerous bridges which stand on its banks, connecting people and places.
Fortifications on the Rupnik Line
The Rupnik Line is a system of fortifications, which were built during the 1930’s by the Kingdom of Yugoslavia as a defence line on the border with the Kingdom of Italy. The strategically placed forts were never used for military or defence purposes. The building of the fortifications brought residents a temporary solution for unemployment and financial troubles which affected them due to the border location. During its building, locals were employed as construction workers, porters or transporters of materials. One of the most eminent and best-preserved fortifications of the Rupnik Line is the underground fortress on Goli vrh. Inside you can see a permanent exhibition of remains from the time of building, whilst in the spacious halls various events take place throughout the year.
