Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
about 150m southwest of Glavni trg. Its main displays trace the development of the region
from earliest times to the modern period, but it's biggest draw is the collection of Laufar-
ija masks contained in the exhibit 'The Pust Is to Blame'.
Franja Partisan Hospital
(Partizanska Bolnišnica Franja; 372 31 80;
www.muzej-idrija-cerkno.si
)
This hospit-
al, hidden in a canyon near Dolenji Novaki, about 5km northeast of Cerkno, treated
wounded Partisan soldiers from Yugoslavia and other countries from late 1943 until the
end of WWII. A memorial to humanity and self-sacrifice, it had more than a dozen build-
ings, including treatment sheds, operating theatres, X-ray rooms and bunkers for con-
valescence. More than 500 wounded were treated here, and the mortality rate was only
about 10%.
The complex, hidden in a ravine by the Pasica Stream, had an abundance of fresh water,
which was also used to power a hydroelectric generator. Local farmers and Partisan
groups provided food, which was lowered down the steep cliffs by rope; medical supplies
were diverted from hospitals in occupied areas or later air-dropped by the Allies. The hos-
pital came under attack by the Germans twice - once in April 1944 and again in March
1945 - but it was never taken.
MEMORIAL
Activities
The English-language
Cerkno Map of Local Walks,
available from the TIC and Hotel
Cerkno, lists eight walks in the Cerkno Hills (Cerkljansko Hribovje), most of them pretty
easy and lasting between 1½ and five hours return. Walk No 7 goes to the
Franja Partis-
an Hospital
(3½ hours) and back.
Festivals & Events
Laufarija
(
www.laufarija-cerkno.si
;
late Feb-early Mar)
The biggest annual event in these parts
unfolds in Glavni trg.
CULTURAL FESTIVAL
