Municipality of Idrija

A view of Idrija, 2008

The Municipality of Idrija covers a total area of 294 square kilometres and has a population of 12,000 people living in 38 settlements. Idrija is a member of the Slovene Association of Historic Towns and the heart of the Slovene mercury mining heritage, included in the World Heritage List in 2012. Apart from the second largest mercury mine on the world, Idrija distinguishes itself also for the oldest preserved theatre house in Slovenia, the first secondary school with lessons in Slovenian (since 1901), its tradition of punk bands since the late 1970s (Kuzle, Šund, Zablujena generacija...), and even more traditional, the Idrija Lace Festival. The municipality's strong economy is driven by the impressive Idrija-based international concern Kolektor and Hidria Rotomatika.

Support of culture

The Social Activities Department of the Muncipality of Idrija covers the field of education, sport, culture, science, health care, and social care; its tasks depend on legislation. Both of Idrija's municipal institutions, the library and the museum, were established and are now financed jointly by the municipalities of Idrija and Cerkno. The preservation and restoration of cultural and technical heritage monuments is financed by the municipality as well as the state.

The municipality financially supports various cultural events, among them, the annual traditional castle evenings held in the restored castle atrium. It also supports the activities of various cultural associations and issues the cultural publication Idrijski razgledi. The rich musical tradition of Idrija is reflected in its large number of children which enter music school.

KuZLe Documentary 2010 EngSubs by KuZle on YouTube

Documentary on the Kuzle punk band from Idrija (2010, with English subtitles)

Mercury mining heritage

Idrija is marked by a 500-year tradition of mercury mining. The mine was closed down in the 1990s but the town has preserved many technical monuments. Part of the old mercury mine has been transformed into the Idrija Mine Museum and the Gewerkenegg Castle (1533) now houses the Idrija Municipal Museum. Slovenia's oldest preserved theatre building, built by Maria Teresa of Habsburg, is also located in Idrija as the mining town flourished with the help of international technical intelligentsia brought here by business. In 2012 the Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija project was submitted to UNESCO and the heritage in Idria got inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

GEOPARK IDRIJA Promo SLO Official by Geopark Idrija on YouTube

Public Fund for Cultural Activities

The local branch of the Union of Cultural Societies of Slovenia (ZKDS) brings together 17 local cultural associations (drama groups, choirs, painters, etc.) comprising about 450 members. The oldest-established of these is the Idrija Brass Music Association, a brass orchestra with over 350 years of tradition. The local branch office of the Public Fund for Cultural Activities of the Republic of Slovenia (JSKD), located at the municipal headquarters, also assists local associations and organises cultural events.