Architectural heritage

The Škofja Loka area boasts a rich architectural heritage, which has been created and developed over many centuries. You can see modest country farmhouses as well as magnificent mansions and townhouses, which have been built over the centuries under the influence of various architectural styles.

 
The Karlov Mill

The Karlov Mill

This 18th century mill is one of the rarest, still working, mills in Slovenia. Today you can still buy quality flour, wheat meal, various oats and barley, and at the farmstead freshly-baked bread and other baked goods are available. 

Žirovski vrh Sv. Antona 1, 4224, Gorenja vas+386 (0)41 943 750karlovski.mlin@gmail.com
The Granary

The Granary

The building stood in its original form prior to the 1511 earthquake, after which it was completely renovated. In addition to the castle, the granary was the most important building of the Loka landlords, as it was used to store taxes brought by local farmers. It was run by a special official of the bishop – the kaščar. Today the granary houses a permanent gallery exhibiting the work of the academic painter Franc Mihelič, whilst in the cellar there is a popular restaurant.

Spodnji trg 1, 4220, Škofja Loka
The Old Rectory

The Old Rectory

Pilasters and a two-coloured facade prove that the building was originally composed of two houses, and was reconstructed between the years 1740 – 1760. Outside there is a Renaissance plaque with a coat-of-arms of the rich and influential townsman Volbenk Schwarz, who built a chapel in his house in 1513. The entrance portal is made from stone, the hall is cross vaulted, the staircase is surrounded by a Baroque wrought-iron grid. 

Mestni trg 38, 4220, Škofja Loka
Old School in Škofja Loka

Old School in Škofja Loka

Documents dating from 1271 testify to a town school for boys. The girls school was run by the Clarissa nuns in the 14th century. Ever since 1538, Skofja Loka had a school building close to St. Jacob's Church. On the facade there is a clearly visible built-in stone plaque with a coat-of-arms of the Loka nobleman Mihael Papler.
Cankarjev trg, 4220, Škofja Loka
Fortun's Mill

Fortun's Mill

This mill with two millstones was built in the mid-19th century. It demonstrates the tradition of milling which, in the Škofja Loka area, was of great economic importance.

Hotovlja, 4224, Gorenja vas
Martin's House

Martin's House

Centuries ago, this type of house was predominant in Škofja Loka and Martin's House is the last of its kind. It was built as an extension of the town walls, which Bishop Conrad III ordered be constructed for safety in the 14th century and which, in this area, are still completely preserved. Next to the house there was the Poljane Gate with a guard tower and a bridge for crossing from the town across the still visible defence moat. 

Mestni trg 26, 4220, Škofja Loka
Plnada in Železniki

Plnada in Železniki

Plnada is the oldest house in Železniki and also the most important iron foundry house, built at the end of the 16th or 17th century. The building comprising a mill, saw mill and hayrack, shows a high degree of architectural integrity.

Na Plavžu, 4228, Železniki
Old School in Žiri

Old School in Žiri

Built as a country manor and is one of the oldest buildings in Žiri. In the period from 1864 until World War II it housed the old school. Today it is home to the Žiri Museum and library.

Tabor 2, 4226, Žiri
Blast Furnace in Železniki

Blast Furnace in Železniki

This blast furnace, or high smelting furnace, was once a major plant for the production of pig iron. Its modern form dates from the 19th century, when an older furnace was modernised. The blast furnace in Železniki was the first technical monument in Slovenia to be protected.

Na Plavžu, 4228, Železniki
Špan's Homestead

Špan's Homestead

This country manor from the 18th century is an exceptional example of architectural heritage. On the courtyard side there is a clearly visible preserved sun dial, whilst the facade is adorned with a fresco of the Holy Family and St. Florian. In front of the homestead there is a triangular late-Baroque shrine with frescoes dating from 1794.

Suha, 4220, Škofja Loka
Old Town Hall

Old Town Hall

The former town hall from the 16th century was the seat of the representatives of public life in Loka, with the town judge at the helm. Its important place in history is evident throughout the building in its artistic and architectural elements. On the façade there are Baroque frescoes, painted columns, flowers, and various other figurative details.

Mestni trg 35, 4220, Škofja Loka
Grohec's House

Grohec's House

This partly brick, partly wooden house, was built in the 17th century. It is situated in Lontrg (Lower Square.

Spodnji trg 22, 4220, Škofja Loka
Homan's House

Homan's House

This Bourgeois mansion was renovated in the Gothic style with some Renaissance elements following the 1511 earthquake. During restoration of the exterior, frescoes of medieval soldiers and St. Christopher were discovered, as well as other 16th century decorative features. The tradition of Homan House continues and today it is a reputable coffee shop and patisserie.

Mestni trg 2, 4220, Škofja Loka
Firbar's House

Firbar's House

The house got its name from its business activity – dyeing. This activity continued in the house until 1907, and today on it's exterior there is still evidence of the trade. Take a look at the upper part of the house where you can see a 'rake' where in the past dyed linen was dried.

Kopališka ulica, 4220, Škofja Loka
Žigon's House

Žigon's House

This former merchants' mansion from the 16th centure is notable for its stonemasonry detail and vaulted archway. The spired upper story architecturally concludes the main, wider part of the Town Square (Mestni trg) and separates it from the southern entrance.

Today it is home to the municipality office, therefore it is only possible to view it from the outside.

Mestni trg 14, 4220, Škofja Loka