Only the Karst lends its name to natural phenomena.
The first geological explorations of the Karst world have roots in the Karst region that date back to the late 18th century and continued more extensively in the second half of the 19th century. Many natural phenomena around the world discovered by then and since are therefore named after the Karst.
Only the Karst invites you to the village that lends its name to Lippizan horses.
The Lipica Stud Farm is the original stud farm of one of the oldest breeds of horses – the Lipizzan horse. With a tradition of more than 400 years, it is the oldest European stud farm to be continuously breeding the same breed.
Only the Karst breathes its inspiration into the Ferrari Garden in Štanjel.
In Štanjel, Maks Fabiani, one of Slovenia’s greatest town planners and architects and the then mayor of Štanjel, created a special garden for the Ferrari family. With its terraced design, selected plants and the phenomenon of the special water supply system, it is an outstanding cultural and architectural monument of the Karst and Slovenia alike.
Only the Karst has been offering tours of subterranean caves for over 400 years.
Since 1633, tourists from Trieste, Italy, have been coming to the Vilenica Cave near Lipica to see this natural underground wonder with its giant dripstones and mysterious energy. Namely, the locals believed the cave was inhabited by good fairies. Its name Vilenica originates from the word “vile” (fairies).
Only the Karst conceals its greatest beauties underground.
The unique composition of the ground beneath the surface of the Karst has led to many underground caves being formed over millions of years. Among the caves discovered so far, some are considered to be noteworthy in the world. The Škocjan Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
Only the Karst transforms stone into an asset.
Stone is the foundation and soul of the Karst. Karst rocks, dissolved by water, create wonderful phenomena. The karst stone, given its character by the presence of former organisms, is a valuable building material and plays an extremely important role in the local architecture.
Only the Karst keeps getting more beautiful with age.
Every day, for millions of years, the Karst has been changing its appearance as the rock has slowly dissolved. Dripstones are still growing, karren and other surface karst phenomena are deepening. The erosion by the sea and by mysterious watercourses is also making the Karst more beautiful. For centuries, the Karst people have preserved the unique Karst landscape, the oldest cultural landscape in Europe.
