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SPODNJA IDRIJA
Old pilgrims’ centre, sheltered by Mary on the Rock.
The beginnings of the Spodnja Idrija village, once called Ydria Sclabonica (Slovenian Idrija), date back to 1156, when the Pope Celestin III mentioned for the first time the Chapel of Mary on the Rock in his notice. Spodnja Idrija is thus much older than the neighbouring and larger Idrija, which became famous all over the world for its mercury mine.
The ancient Spodnja Idrija village was a religious and ecclesiastical centre and it also played an important historical and cultural role. The place is still called Fara and its inhabitants Pr’farci, as in the past Mary on the Rock was the real ‘mother parish’ (Slovenian: fara) among the local parishes.
Today it is the place of registered seat of the Hidria Corporation and thus an important economic centre.
THE ASSUMPTION DAY, 15 AUGUST
The parish festival of Spodnja Idrija attracts many visitors and pilgrims every year. Upon the occasion the locals have since times past woven garlands of ivy and cooked štruklji, which is why the day was named Prfarski štrukljevc.
Discover Spodnja Idrija
MARY ON THE ROCK
Above the historic old centre of Spodnja Idrija proudly stands the parish Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. The temple of Mary on the Rock, boasting a history of over 800 years, is situated in a wonderful location and is visible from all sides and far away.
KANOMELJSKE KLAVŽE
The mighty river barrages, called klavže were built in the times of the Napoleonic Illyrian Provinces, which is testified by the inscription on the stone plaque “Sub imperio Napoleonis 1813”. The barrages were designed for transporting wood down the river to the valley.
IDRIJCA AND KANOMLJICA
In Spodnja Idrija the crystal clear Idrijca and Kanomljica rivers merge and are home to the autochthon marble trout type Idrijca. From April to October the two rivers attract fly fishing lovers from all over the world with their natural beauty and rich fish population.