Pictorial Perspective of ~
Škofja Loka – an oft-overlooked gem
Located in the alluring Gorenjska (Upper Carniola) Region of NW Slovenia
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Škofja Loka has maintained one of the best preserved Medieval old towns in Slovenia.
A walk on the footsteps of history, tradition and culture — with nature literally at your doorstep. Meadowed & wooded hills surrounding the town provide tremendous opportunities for hiking—on well-marked trails.
Feasible–as is the mode of most visitors–as a day trip from Ljubljana–however, highly recommended as a base for several days — from which perennial favorite places, such as Lake Bled, are easily accessible.
Convenient public transport (to almost any regional spot) available via Bus. The station with regularly-scheduled departures adjoins the old town.
~ an interesting legend ~
Škofja Loka’s Coat of Arms: As one (ca.1300) legend has it, “Bishop Abraham of Freising was traveling through the local mountains with his dark-skinned servant. They ran into a large bear in the forest. The prince stood still, but the servant quickly killed the bear with a bow. The lord hugged his servant and thanked him by portraying his head in the city’s coat-of-arms”
Highly-recommended lodging for your stay in Škofja Loka – Hotel Garni Paleta Top Notch-Genuine hospitality defined! Tell Igor “VagaBob sent you!”
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Sampling of sites, experiences and activities to be enjoyed in and around Škofja Loka ~
Škofja Loka’s main square (Mestni trg) – the epicenter of the (relaxed) workaday rhythms of life
Classic corner of old town panorama: with the 14th Century Stone Capuchin’s bridge–and the Hotel Garni Paleta–with rooms overlooking the Selška Sora river
Statue of Saint John of Nepomuk – situated on the 14th Century Stone Capuchin Bridge
The plague pillar, in the center of Mestni trg (Škofja Loka’s main square), was erected in 1751
Typical (tidy) Medieval streets of Škofja Loka
Škofja Loka panorama: St. Jacob’s Church + Loka Castle
Nace’s House: a perfectly-preserved mid-18th century house–with remaining features from its 15th century origins. An important National Cultural monument. In Puštal, a village directly adjacent to Škofja Loka
Ornate & frescoed Homan House in Škofja Loka – early 16th century – enjoy great confections & coffee on the terrace facing the main square
The magnificent late-Gothic St. Jacob’s Church of Škofja Loka-beacon of the Old Town – with 20th century interior artistry by architect Jože Plečnik-a deserving national icon
The Holy Cross Church a.k.a. Cerkev na Hribcu (‘church on the little hill’) in Puštal – offering perched panoramic views over Škofja Loka
View over Škofja Loka – from Cerkev na Hribcu (‘church on the little hill’)
A must visit! The Capuchin Monastery Library in Škofja Loka – Archive of extremely rare books and manuscripts
An incredibly rare travel EXPERIENCE–The Škofja Loka Passion Play (2015). The oldest play in Slovene (language). Next performance slated for 2021!
The Legend of the Devil’s (foot) Bridge (below)
Distinctive Slovenian Folk Art: Traditional painted wood paneled beehives (apiaries)
Sampling of day trip possibilities from your Škofja Loka base ~
15th Century Old Loka Castle in Stara Loka (Old Loka – origins dating to the 10th century) – neighboring Škofja Loka
Wildflowers blanketing the hills above Škofja Loka (April 2015)
Šmarna gora – a double-peak stand-alone mountain -between Ljubljana & Škofja Loka – great day hiking!
Indescribably beautiful high mountain village of Spodnja Sorica — in the Upper Carniola region (above Škofja Loka) – ask Igor at the Hotel Garni Paleta about a guided day trip!
Radovljica: Another historically-rich Medieval town with a quiet workaday atmosphere – close to Bled
Classic panorama of Lake Bled – as viewed from Mala Osojnica
Don’t pass up a slice of delectable “Kremsnita” (Lake Bled Creme Cake) – best enjoyed overlooking the lake at the Park Hotel Cafe-home of this local specialty
Steeped in legend & traditions: “The Church on the Island” on Lake Bled
Picturesque Church of St. John the Baptist – Ribčev Laz – at the east/outflow end of Lake Bohinj
The magnificent Savica Waterfall – descending from the slopes of Mt. Triglav – above Lake Bohinj
A hiker’s paradise – around Lake Bohinj….and throughout the region
Alluring Vintgar Gorge – within walking distance from Lake Bled
Julian Alps with Mt. Triglav (Slovenia’s highest at 9,396 ft) in background
A Slovenian feast at Gostilna Pri Boštjanu – Križna Gora
Alpenglow at dusk — as seen from Križna Gora
Posted by: VagaBob
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Slovenia (the entire country!) – one of VagaBob’s
Favorite Places in Europe
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All photos property of ©2016 VagaBobTravel.com
Revised 3/2017
So glad I made this trip with VagaBob and other adventurers in 2014. The most amazing part of my trip– which covered three other European countries on the Perfect Euro Sampler.
Thanks again, Bob!