Historic houses and small museum collections offer the possibility of getting to know the local tradition and cultural heritage.
Jurij Vega museum (distance from Urban hotel 13 km): the mountain village of Zagorica near Dol pri Ljubljani was the birthplace of Baron Jurij Vega (1754-1802), a world famous mathematician and one of the most prominent Slovenians. His major contribution to the world of science was his improvement of the accuracy and usefulness of logarithmic tables, the most widely used calculation tool until the mid-20th century, when tables of logarithms began to be replaced by electronic calculators. Vega is also honoured for his achievements in astronomy, ballistics and other technical sciences. The homestead occupying the site of Vega’s birth house is still home to the famous baron’s descendants. Jurij Vega’s memorial room, located within the homestead, houses a permanent exhibition on his life and work.
Trubar’s Homestead (distance from Urban hotel 28 km): the renovated Trubar’s homestead serves as a museum, dedicated to this important Slovenian. A 5,6m obelisk by the street was also raised in his honour in 1950 at the 400th anniversary of first printed Slovenian books, Trubar’s Catechism and Spelling book. The homestead was renovated at Trubar’s death 400th anniversary. In front of the mill stands a statue of Primož Trubar, a work of sculptor Drago Tršar. A former outhouse is made into a guest house, Gallery Skendenj and the Trubar’s reading room. By it stand a renovated corn-rack and a water run Venetian saw. Former residential premises today serve as a memorial room. Walls carry information on the life and destiny of Primož Trubar and on the windows some important historical personalities, his contemporaries and rulers of the time are depicted.
Ivan Cankar memorial house (distance from Urban hotel 24 km): the Slovenian writer Ivan Cankar (1876-1918) came from a lower-class family, which left a significant mark on his work. His birth house, originally a wooden cottage with a thatched roof, burnt down in a fire. In 1880, the new owners of the site reconstructed it and gave it its present appearance. When the building was turned into a memorial, it was furnished with furniture and other household items of the writer’s time to illustrate the life of the Cankar family.
Jurčič’s homestead (distance from Urban hotel 15 km): is the birthplace of the Slovenian writer Josip Jurčič, the author of the first Slovenian novel, The Tenth Brother (1866). It is restored as a museum homestead. Jurčič’s Homestead is an example of the 19th century rural architecture in Slovenia. The writer’s birth house contains authentic 19th century interior furnishings and a memorial collection. Other parts of the authentically restored homestead include an orchard and several outbuildings, including an apiary, a granary, and a stable. Next to the homestead is an open-air amphitheatre, where Jurčič’s works are performed occasionally.
Vodnik homestead (distance from Urban hotel 2 km): is the birthplace of the poet, priest, and publicist Valentin Vodnik (17581819), who authored the first Slovenian grammar book and was a central figure in the Slovenian cultural life of his time. The Homestead houses two permanent collections, one dedicated to the written Slovenian language and the other to Vodnik’s life and work. The Vodnik Homestead, a house of reading, writing, and storytelling, is managed by the Divja Misel Institute, which is also well-known for organizing the Library under Trees. The Homestead hosts regular book-themed events for adults and children and houses a gallery hosting thematic exhibitions. The programme of events is created in collaboration with partners in the fields of literature and music.
More: https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/visitors/poigroup/sightseeing/historic-houses-and-collections/
