Postojna

Postojna
Občina Postojna
—  Town and Municipality  —
The Karstic cave system at Postojna

Coat of arms
Location of the Municipality of Postojna in Slovenia
Postojna
Location of the Town of Postojna in Slovenia
Coordinates:
Country  Slovenia
Government
 • Mayor Jernej Verbič
Area
 • Total 269.9 km2 (104.2 sq mi)
Population (2002)[1]
 • Total 14,581
 • Density 54/km2 (139.9/sq mi)
Time zone CET (UTC+01)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+02)

Postojna (German: Adelsberg, Italianized: Postumia) is a town and a municipality in the traditional region of Inner Carniola, 35 kilometers (22 mi) from Trieste, in southwestern Slovenia. Population 14,581 (2002).

Contents

History

The area is known to have been populated since the paleolithic era due to the finding of a cave settlement near the town of Postojna, called "Betalov spodmol". The town lies on the Pivka River. Written sources first mention the settlement in the 13th century and in 1432 it became a borough. It was proclaimed a town in 1909.[2] It was under Italian rule between 1918-1943 (nominally to 1947) and was a commune in province of Trieste as "Postumia".[3]

Climate

Climate data for Postojna
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 2
(36)
4
(40)
8
(47)
13
(55)
18
(64)
22
(71)
24
(76)
24
(75)
20
(68)
14
(57)
7
(45)
4
(39)
13.4
(56.1)
Average low °C (°F) −5
(23)
−4
(25)
−1
(30)
3
(37)
7
(44)
10
(50)
11
(52)
11
(52)
8
(47)
4
(40)
1
(34)
−2
(28)
3.6
(38.5)
Precipitation mm (inches) 107
(4.2)
86
(3.4)
140
(5.5)
135
(5.3)
196
(7.7)
155
(6.1)
127
(5)
155
(6.1)
188
(7.4)
208
(8.2)
208
(8.2)
127
(5)
1,831
(72.1)
Source: Weatherbase [4]

Overview

The entire municipality has a typical karstic landscape. One of Slovenia's major tourist attractions, the Postojna Cave, is located in the municipality. The cave was first described in the 17th century by Janez Vajkard Valvasor, and a further major part of the cave was discovered in 1818. Electric lighting was added in 1872, increasing the cave system's popularity. A second popular tourist attraction, located approximately 9 kilometres from Postojna, is Predjama Castle, a 16th century castle, built in the mouth of another Karst cave.[5]

The Parish Church in the town is dedicated to Saint Stephen and belongs to the Koper Diocese. Within the urban area of Postojna, the church dedicated to Saint Daniel in Zalog and the chapel dedicated to Saint Lazarus at the town cemetery also belongs to this Parish.[6]

See also

References

External links

Media related to Postojna at Wikimedia Commons