Slovenija

A nation of two million, with a distinctive and clear identity, which has preserved its individuality in this treacherous sub-alpine crossroads for 1500 years, built and preserved during this period 3000 churches, created a rich artistic heritage, published the Slovene translation of the Bible as early as 1584, and has today 9 repertory theatres, 70 publishing houses, and 250 Fine Arts salons; yet, until yesterday, without a capital or her own state. The old city centres are alive with the drama of early times; of the southernmost reaches of European Protestantism, of the northernmost boundaries of plundering Turkish raids against Europe, of the East-West gateway under the Alps.

This setting, however, intriguing though it is for the more sensitive and open-minded traveller, does not offer itself boastfully, for people here are modest; but they all go overboard in their kindness. Hence, just feel free and ask anyone about anything. Everyone can speak some foreign language: they have to, they are few in number, and they live at the crossroads. In 1820 or so Charles Nodier, a French humanist, referred to Slovenia as a true Academy of Arts and Science, given its people's flair for and knowledge of languages.

The first impression of the landscape: green, green and still green. Over a million hectares of woodland, (and vineyards!), a half of this entire young state. You can find woods in Ljubljana itself, the capital city with 300.000 inhabitants, a majestic baroque city centre, broad pedestrian avenues, a modern commercial centre, outstanding cultural events, such as, for example, the world-famous graphics biennial, and a modern congress centre. And Maribor, the second largest city, is no less interesting. There are more than 70 plants unique to this green stretch spanning the Alps and the Mediterranean. Triglav, our highest Alpine peak, is not extremely high (2864 m, 9300 feet), but is divinely dominating: pagan Slovenes saw in it a God with three heads -- one for controlling the sky, second the Earth, and third the Underworld. And, indeed, it seems that Slovenia does exist on three levels: above her the mountain sky dazzles with its countless Mediterranean shades, below there are 15.000 underground caves, some of them world-famous: Postojna, Skocjan; the deepest is 1000 m deep, the longest extends more than 20 km.

It may sound like exaggeration -- but come and see for yourself: we can show you and tell you everything! To be small is beautiful, and Slovenia, on the sunny side of the Alps, is just that!

Further information is available on the following topics:

• information resources in Slovenia
• interactive map of Slovenia -- virtual tourist
• towns and places in Slovenia -- virtual tourist
• general information
• travel information
• science in Slovenia -- a historical overview
• Slovene language-learning materials for English speakers
• the Karst route
• the Upper Carniolan (Alpine) route
• ski resorts
• health resorts / spas
• traditional food recipes, Slovene wine (see also other sites with wine-related information), Lasko brewery
• wild mushrooms (how to find, cook and eat them -- and survive!)
• newsgroup soc.culture.slovenia provides a forum for discussion of all aspects of the Slovene society, culture, politics, economics, history, and all other issues related to Slovenia or Slovene people

See also:

• 1994 World Factbook: Slovenia (U.S. CIA)
• Travel Advisory: Slovenia (U.S. State Department) (from: U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets)