Kavčnik Homestead

Kavčnik Homestead in Zavodnje near Šoštanj is a splendid example of Slovene vernacular architecture, with 400 years old smoke house (dimnica). It was in use in the Alpine region and is unique and southernmost surviving example. Kavčnik Homestead is a unique rural architecture that was opened as open air museum in 1992 and was nominated for the Museum of the Year Award in 1993. Homestead was inhabited until 1981. So tools, furniture, living quarters still give an impression that somebody is living there.

Whole farm was built around its heart Dimnica made out of bricks the rest of the buildings are wooden also the roof. Around main living quarters with a stowe, thare are barn, hayrack, herbal garden, tool sheds, vine press, field toilet.... But most important and the oldest is Dimnica that prevailed in northern Slovenia from 11th until the late 18th century when, because of frequent fires, the authorities began to adopt strict measures to ban them. Kuhna as smokehouse was called by former inhabitants has little window with their unique sliding mechanism, and details of the wooden hinges at the entrance door to the shed, confirm that the core of the building, including the shed, probably dates from the 17th century. At that time it was the only living quarter in the Kavčnik homestead. Nowadays, the fire is kept burning in the hearth, filling the room with smoke. Red eyes and irritated lungs do not fail to convince the visitor that life may have been much more relaxed in the past, but hardly as romantic as we like to imagine. By previous announcement visitors can also roast apples on a open fire.

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Kavčnik Homestead

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