Grahovo: Križna jama, Ironworks and Routes to Slivnica

Križna jama is a karst water cave with underground lakes separated from one another by calcite barriers. Crystal-clear water flows over these barriers. This presents a distinctive landscape at the heart of the area: nature, underground spaces and water shape this part of the surroundings.

Nature

There is also a shorter, approximately one-hour tour of Križna jama. It includes a boat ride on the first underground lake. The approximate duration and the boat ride on the lake are an integral part of this tour offering.

The cave is also known for finds of cave bear remains. These include the world's largest cave bear skull, which is said to have weighed 1,500 kg.

Culture

The Grahovo ironworks complex, with its forge and mill, was declared a cultural monument on 30 January 1997. Due to its spatial and environmental qualities, its historical significance and its architectural-historical qualities, it is of considerable heritage value.

An information board at the Grahovo ironworks presents the history of the site. Grahovo can also be explored along a nature trail that includes a stop at the old ironworks. In this way, the historical information and the route of the nature trail are directly connected.

The archaeological past includes the registered archaeological unit “Grahovo – prehistoric hillforts” (EŠD 10931). It comprises prehistoric hillforts on the elevations of Špiček, Zajčji vrh, Žerovinšček and Lisjak. In the area of these prehistoric hillforts, numerous chance surface finds of pottery, as well as numerous prehistoric and Roman metal finds from metal detector surveys, have been documented.

In the immediate vicinity of Grahovo, above the village, there is a wayside shrine dedicated to Saint Florian and Saint Nicholas. The wayside shrine located above the village may also indicate the site of an earlier church.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Grahovo was first mentioned in 1526. It burned down in 1943 and was rebuilt in 1993 according to plans by the architect France Kvaternik. Inside is a fresco by the academic painter Lojze Čemažar depicting the patron saints of the subsidiary churches and the patroness of the parish.

The grave of the poet France Balantič is located in the Grahovo cemetery.

Routes

The Coprnica cycling route passes through Grahovo and turns right at the church. After this turn, it follows a steady 10 km ascent to Slivnica, the legendary witches' mountain. The cycling route is intended for experienced cyclists and leads to a viewpoint at an elevation of 1,114 metres on Mount Slivnica.

The marked trail to Slivnica begins in the centre of Grahovo. From there, the trail first crosses a field and then continues onto a forest track. Along the marked trail from Grahovo to the Church of Saint Nicholas on Slivnica are the remains of military fortifications.

Another connection to Slivnica is provided by the Hike of the Four Parishes. It leads to the Church of Saint Nicholas on Slivnica and includes Holy Mass at 11 a.m.

Other Places

Other destinations that you can access from this page include Markovec, Stari Trg Pri Ložu, Dane, Rakek, Žerovnica, Radlek, Nova Vas and Kozarišče.

For the broader travel overview: Cerknica.