Lokovec-izleti

Lokovec

In the westernmost part of the Banjšice plateau, just near the margin above the valley of Čepovan, there extends the narrow strip of land of the longest Slovene village, i.e. Lokovec, divided into Dolenji (Lower), Srednji (Middle) and Gornji (Upper) Lokovec.

In this typically karstic world, where there are a number of hollows, sinkholes and abysses, amongst the predominantly pine and beech wood you will find homesteads almost hidden from view.
The houses are surrounded by well-kept gardens, fields, meadows and pastures, which have been lately becoming overgrown.

The main material was the stone. Today traces of the genuine masters of the stonecutting trade are still discernible in the whole region. Watchful eyes of the visitor will certainly catch the sight of a typical Alpine granary, the stone front gates and wells that in the past used to ornament almost every house.

Besides the above mentioned also other home trades flourished there. Women used to make lace, weave linen and to spin, and men used to make wooden ware. The most developed trade which was widely spread in the area and which carried the name of Lokovec as far as to the emperor´s court in Vienna was the blacksmith´s trade. Smiths became well-known for their forging of nails, drills and different blades, among which the most famous the so-called favč (fauch).

The varied ground offers the visitors a number of recreational possibilities, primarily those of walks and cycling. Enthusiasts may climb up to the highest peak of the Banjšice plateau Lašček (1071 m), and in fine weather you will be able to view the mighty mountains in the north, covered with snow almost all the year, and also the azure sea in the south.

When coming to Lokovec you shall by no means leave out the visit to the parish church of St. Peter and Paul at Srednji Lokovec, which was built in 1800. All animal lovers will certainly be interested in visiting the stock farm of fallow deer and stags situated at Dolnji Lokovec. Lokovec is a place where you will breath a lot of fresh air, relax and forget the every-day worries. In summer you will be embraced by the peace of the woods and by the fragrance of meadow plants, while in winter you will be overwhelmed by the snow-covered landscape.

Text: TIC Nova Gorica
Photo: MŠB and Planet multimedia Association

Blacksmith Museum

Blacksmith Museum

Description:
In the easternmost point of the Banjšice Plateau, close to the edge over the Čepovan Valley, one of the longest villages in Slovenia – Lokovec extends itself in a narrow strip. Characteristic for it are the isolated homesteads. In Central Lokovec there is the Sts. Peter and Paul Church, which, together with the vicarage and some other buildings, forms the village centre. In the basement of the vicarage there is a small Blacksmith Museum and in the upper rooms the biographical exhibition of the fellow-villager, the retired Koper bishop Metod Pirih, can be visited. You’ll enter the museum accompanied by a blacksmith who will show you the traditional work of a blacksmith and you’ll even have the opportunity to test your skills as well. The majestic forged cross in the nearby cemetery is proof of the fact that the blacksmithing is in this region already over centuries at home.

* Opens only upon a preliminary request.

Contact:
Lokovec Cultural Tourism Association - Turistično kulturno društvo Lokovec, Miroslav Šuligoj Bremec, +386 (0)5 333 34 64, +386 (0)31 459 343, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., www.turisticnodrustvolokovec.si