Idrija

The half-a-millennium-long history of Idrija began with the discovery of a rare and valuable liquid metal: mercury. The exciting discovery draw many miners into the valley that soon saw the development of a lively mining settlement, topped with a mining castle Gewerkenegg since 1533. With the discovery of the amalgamation procedure accompanying the discovery of South American silver and gold mines, mercury gained recognition and the Idrija mine soon became the second largest producer of this sole liquid metal in the world, while abroad it was renowned for its excellent technical equipment.

In the 17th century, the miners’ wives began practising the craft of bobbin lacemaking; the beauty and delicateness of their lace were held in high regard especially in the higher class. The most famous lacemaker was Ivanka Ferjančič, an excellent local lacemaker and the first teacher in Idrija Lace School.

More information on www.visit-idrija.si