In keeping with tradition of HUGO Mutation Detection meetings we will provide an enjoyable leisure programme highlighting Slovenian cultural heritage including sampling the Slovenian cuisine and wines.
A whole day excursion (9.00-20.00)
Ljubljana, Slovenia's attractive medieval capital is very cosmopolitan. The city is dominated by an ancient castle and adorned with baroque churches and classical public buildings. The tour of the old town includes the University building, the Tromostovje (Triple Bridge), the St. Mary’s baroque church, old town hall, the “Dragon Bridge” and the “Shoe-makers’ Bridge”.
Ljubljana could be a starting point for a wide range of excursions. So the journey will lead us further to the Postojna Caves, the mysterious world which has been carved, shaped and created by water. Deep within these world-famous limestone caves hides the fairy-tale beauty created through millions of years, drop after drop, year after year. This 20-kilometre long underworld system is a miracle in itself but it also shelters a unique form of life, a mysterious human fish (Proteus anguinus), a small eyeless cave creature. A visit with an underground train and experienced guide takes an hour and a half.
A few kilometers from the entrance to Postojna Caves stands a picturesque building, a Predjama Castle, which hangs dramatically in the middle of a 123 metre high cliff. Although the current buildings date from the end of the 16th century, a castle has stood on this site since 1202.
Our next stop will be the Horse Stud Lipica, the original home of the famous white Lipizzaner horses along the border between Italy and Slovenia on a green oasis in the middle of the Karst landscape. It was founded in the year 1580 by the Austrian archduke Charles. Nowadays Lipica continues and is even refining the ancient, 400-year-old tradition of breeding these famous white horses. We shall attend a performance by the classical school of riding and become acquainted with the history of Lipica during the visit to the stud farm.
We shall also visit the charming Piran, an old mediterranean town, which is situated at the cape of the Piran peninsula. In fact, the town is one large museum with the medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. Narrow streets, churches and closely built houses are a special charm of the town.
