The thousands-years-long history of Ajdovščina in a single day
Experience the life along the cold river and find the birth place of the burja wind
Ajdovščina has always lied on the crossroad of history, nations and cultures. The area surrounding the city is intwined with roads which throughout the millennia connected the Italian peninsula and the Danube region. At the end of the second millennium BC, a Bronze Age settlement was built on the rocky plateau of Školj. In the middle of the 2nd century BC, the Romans set up a freight and postal station in the southern part of Ajdovščina. In the third century, the post grew into Castra, the magnificent fortification with fourteen towers. The stronghold acted as permanent military defense of the eastern borders, and consequently protected the western civilisations from the barbarian peoples of the east.
Traces of Ancient Rome
Start exploring the thousands of years of the city’s history on Lavrič Square where during the recent complete renovation of the centre, archaeologists discovered what would once be called preatorium, Castra’s military and administrative headquarters from the third and fourth century. Even today, the square acts as one of the most popular places to hang out.
Feel the Mediterranean character of the locals, engage in a conversation or just listen to the melody of their dialect. The renovated square is car-free and offers enough space for the young to enjoy. Sit in one of the bars, order a cup of coffee and simply watch your kids run around on scooters, roller skates or bicycles. Did you know that one slab is one Roman step long? The three fountains serve as perfect refreshment in hot summer days, not to mention the three pergolas with sprayers installed and the water fountain on the square. Choose from a variety of ice cream flavours from a nearby gelateria and continue with an easy hike.
Along the river and to the spring
The starting point of this circular route is in the Pale Sports Park. Reach it by foot or car. Near the downhill track you will find the first information displays indicating the start of the educational trail. On the stations along the path, you will get to know the geomorphology, the specific surface, the rich variety of animal and plant species and the water ecosystem beside the River Hubelj. After 20 minutes of moderate upstream walk you will reach the spring, spectacular especially after a heavy rain, when water sprays all over the area and bursts through the holes of the karstic underworld. But the spring of Hubelj is refreshing all year long. Stop in the nearby Gostilna pri izviru Hublja. The inn is known for its typical Vipava cousine. Quench your thirst with a cold drink made with quality Hubelj water. Would you like to taste the local pašareta soda? Or do you prefer a glass of Fructal juice? Maybe a pint of the local craft beer?
The home of the burja wind
Follow the signs leading to the karst meadow on top of Mt Školj, on the margin of which you will be delighted by the marvellous view of Ajdovščina. Wondering why there are stones on the roofs? Well, they are used to protect the roof tiles from the blows of burja, the strong north-east wind originating in the leeward of the mountain ranges raigning above the Vipava Valley and gusting from the slopes of Gora, Čaven and Nanos. Did you know that bora can blow as fast as 200 kph? Here you can spot how the wind makes the trees grow askew. But the shrubs defy the bora with a root system well-adjusted to the extreme gusts.
Not only plants, for centuries and even millennia the locals, too, have been able to resist the bora wind, which they grew fond of because it cleans the air, clears the sky and dries their meat products. There are plenty of reasons for visiting the Vipava Valley, don’t you think?
