Poljane nad Škofjo Loko: Churches, Mill and Marked Trails

Poljane nad Škofjo Loko displays its history particularly clearly in the parish church of St. Martin. It was first mentioned in 1291. Archaeological excavations at the site of St. Martin’s Church uncovered structural remains from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods. A foundation stone engraved with the year 1710 was also discovered. After being destroyed due to damage sustained during the interwar period, the former St. Martin’s Church was demolished. In 1967, a new church of the same name was built at a different location according to plans by the architect Anton Bitenc. The parish church is open one hour before Mass.

Culture

The cultural history of the town also includes Šubičeva hiša. It is the birthplace of the Slovenian painters Janez and Jurij Šubic and houses a museum collection dedicated to the art of the Šubic family of painters. As a cultural centre, Šubičeva hiša offers creative workshops, activities in the art studio and exhibitions in the gallery.

The Fartunov Mill is believed to date from the beginning of the 17th century; today, it is one of the few watermills still in operation. During a visit, you can see a video entitled “From Grain to Bread” as well as a fresco by Maja Šubic depicting Saint Martin. The mill has two pairs of millstones and stampers.

On a hill northwest of Poljane, there is also a protected archaeological site with remains of a prehistoric settlement and ancient graves.

Hiking

Several marked trails lead from Poljane into the surrounding countryside. The Gabrška Gora–Lubnik hiking trail is signposted from Poljane; trail markers guide hikers along an uphill path. A marked route from Poljane leads to the Church of St. Primus and Felician on Gabrška Gora, which is located in the vicinity of Poljane and has a Romanesque rectangular presbytery dating from the 13th century.

The municipal hiking circuit runs along one section from Poljane nad Škofjo Loko via Gabrška Gora, Vrhovčevo, Na poklonu, Četena Ravan, Stari vrh, Mladi vrh and Koprivnik to Črni Kal.

The Cvetje v jeseni themed trail begins in Poljane and leads to Blegoš. It crosses colourful meadows and passes through rustling forests, running past scattered farms and hamlets below Blegoš. The trail is equipped with signposts and white-and-yellow markings on a blue background. Every year, on the last Sunday in August at 8 a.m., a guided hike takes place on the themed trail, beginning in Poljane in front of Gostilna na Vidmu.

Cycling

For longer distances, the cycling loop of the municipality of Gorenja Vas–Poljane is listed. It is 115 kilometres long, includes 3,400 metres of ascents and descents, and is divided into three stages.

More destinations

More destinations: Žiri, Fužine, Škofja Loka, Gorenja Vas, Podlonk, Železniki, Četena Ravan, Davščica.

To the main travel overview: Škofja Loka.