Poljane nad Škofjo Loko: Churches, Art and Hiking Trails

Poljane nad Škofjo Loko can be explored for travel planning through several specific themes: the history of the parish church of St. Martin, the art of Šubičeva hiša and hiking trails that begin in Poljane or are signposted from there. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, these highlights can help you include culture and excursions in your plans. The trails differ in their destinations and the landscapes they pass through.

St. Martin’s: Church and Building History

The parish church of St. Martin in Poljane was first mentioned in 1291. The former Church of St. Martin was demolished after being damaged during the interwar period. In 1967, a new church of the same name was built at a different location, designed by architect Anton Bitenc. The historical mention and the present-day church thus belong to different periods of the building’s history.

Excavations at the site of the Church of St. Martin uncovered structural remains from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods. A foundation stone engraved with the year 1710 was also discovered during the excavations. The parish church is open one hour before Mass. As access depends on the Mass schedule, check the time locally before planning your visit.

Art and Culture at Šubičeva hiša

Šubičeva hiša is the birthplace of Slovenian painters Janez and Jurij Šubic and houses a museum collection devoted to the art of the Šubic family of painters. The Šubičeva hiša cultural centre offers creative workshops, activities in the art studio and exhibitions in the gallery. The programme may change; if you are planning to attend a particular event or activity, check the latest details.

Mill and Archaeological Heritage

The Fartunov Mill is believed to date from the beginning of the 17th century; today, it is one of the few watermills still in operation. It has two pairs of millstones and stamping mills. During a visit, you can watch a video entitled “From Grain to Bread” and see a fresco by Maja Šubic depicting St. Martin. Presentation details may change.

On a hill northwest of Poljane is a protected archaeological site with remains of a prehistoric settlement and ancient tombs. The Church of St. Primus and Felician is also located near Poljane, on Gabrška Gora. Its rectangular Romanesque chancel dates from the 13th century.

Hiking Trails and Landscape

The Cvetje v jeseni themed trail begins in Poljane and leads to Blegoš. Along the way, it passes through colourful meadows and rustling forests, as well as scattered farms and hamlets below Blegoš. Signposts and white-and-yellow markings on a blue background mark the trail. Markings and trail conditions may change, so check the route before setting off.

A guided hike takes place on the themed trail every year on the last Sunday in August at 8 a.m. The starting point is in Poljane, in front of Gostilna na Vidmu. If you would like to include the hike in your travel plans, check the annual calendar before your arrival.

The Gabrška Gora–Lubnik hiking trail is signposted from Poljane; the markings guide hikers along an uphill path. A marked route from Poljane leads to the Church of St. Primus and Felician on Gabrška Gora. Another section of the municipal hiking trail runs from Poljane via Gabrška Gora, Vrhovčevo, Na poklonu, Četena Ravan, Stari vrh, Mladi vrh and Koprivnik to Črni Kal. These routes therefore focus on different destinations: Blegoš on the themed trail, the church on Gabrška Gora and Črni Kal on the described section of the municipal hiking trail.

A Longer Option by Bike

The Gorenja Vas–Poljane municipal cycling loop may also be relevant for travel planning: it is 115 kilometres long, includes 3,400 metres of total ascent and descent, and is divided into three stages. As route details may be updated, check the latest information if you are planning to ride the loop.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Četena Ravan, Gorenja Vas, Železniki, Žiri, Škofja Loka, Spodnja Sorica, Davščica, Fužine

For the broader travel overview: Škofja Loka.