Postojna is a town and a municipality in the traditional region of Inner Carniola, 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Trieste, in southwestern Slovenia. Population 14,581 (2002). 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.
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.
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. |
