Ajdovščina is a city in the central part of Vipava valley, at the confluence of the stream Hubelj and Lokavšček, on the contact of Ajdovščina field and flysch slope below Gora (Sinji vrh, 1002 meters). The city lies along the main road, which through Ljubljana connects central Europe with northern Italy. Ajdovščina is the administrative centre of Vipava valley and took this role from the nearby Vipavski križ in the beginning of the century. Medium altitude of the city is 106 meters. The city is also called the Garden of Eden, because it is always green, rich with cultural and natural monuments. A torrential river Hubelj divides the city into two parts: Ajdovščina and Šturje. Spring of Hubelj is important source of drinking water for Ajdovščina and the whole Vipava valley.

As inscription says, on the main road says that Hubelj is a river, although one would normally disapprove this. About the same thoughts were the first people who positioned the roadside sign and write on it that Hubelj is a stream. The board disappeared a few days later. Road workers exemplary placed a new one, but even this has disappeared. Then they changed the inscription into river Hubelj. This sign is still there and still marks the place where main road crosses Hubelj.

The city boasts with extremely rich and varied history. An interesting combination of the first Roman buildings and later medieval building interventions, today Ajdovščina offers to visitors a numerous attractions. Especially attractive is eastern city skyline with restored part of the wall, with the tower and into the walls included Renaissance castle arcades.

The city also has a rich cultural heritage from painter and printmaker Veno Pilon, writer Danilo Lokar and Baroque painter Anton Cebe.

On the left bank of Hubelj lies Šturje, which were in the past an independent settlement and still today have unique features. The buildings are arranged around the church St. George, the core is forming larger irregularly shaped square. Into it are converging short and long narrow streets. Specialties of the settlement are picturesque fractured facades, delays, small yards and squares with individual architectural and stone details.

In Ajdoviščina was, on May 5th 1945, established the first Slovenian government. Bratina hall, in which the first session was held, was later renovated. About the historical event today testifies a memorial plate. Beside her you can see axonometric view of the city from late Antique walls.

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Map of Ajdovščina
On the map of Ajdovščina are marked historical and other attractions of the city, with its water flows river Hubelj and stream Lokavšček, entiteled main roads and parts of the city. To view the map in full size, just click on the image on the left or on the link to open it in another window. [_See the map_]

Nature didactic route along Hubelj
Nature didactic route at Hubelj teaches about the basic natural laws, it presents the main tree and shrub species that grow in this environment. It’s purpose is also to inform the visitors about the river Hubelj and Karstic meadow at Škol. In a circular route are 26 learning points. [_Read more_]

Roman baths
In the southern part of old city center, in the area of today’s market, remains of the Roman baths/spa can be found. The Romans attributed great importance to hygiene and health, baths served also as a social meeting places. The baths were indispensable in the ancient Roman urban life. [_Read more_]

Hubelj
Hubelj is a river, during rainy times mountain torrent, which flows along the border between cadastral municipalities Lokavec and Šturje. It originates from three karstic springs at the foot of the hill Navrše, where the water comes out from a numerous more or less accesible caves of Karst underground. [_Read more_]

Stream Lokavšček
Stream Lokavšček, which flows into the river Hubelj under its spring in Ajdovščina, from 1998 onwards, due to slime, which is carried away from slide Slano blato is no longer a clear stream. This, once rich stream, no longer has its fish population. We can take a peaceful walk along the stream. [_Read more_]

Church of John the Baptist
Church of St. John the Baptist was built on the spot of the ancient Roman cemetery. Maybe the first beginnings of the church go back into Roman times. Ajdovščina was first mentioned in year 1507 and at that time the church was already here. The oldest year, carved in the church, is year 1559 above the right pillar. [_Read more_]

Church of St. Anthony of Padua
Branch church of St. Anthony of Padua in Fužine above Ajdovščina. Not far from Hubelj spring is church of St. Anthony of Padua. Main western facade is highlighted with a rectangular portal, moonable window above it and a stone bellflower, which rises above the ridge of the roof. [_Read more_]

Foundries Foundries at Hubelj were launched on 12. November 1561 when emperor Ferdinand issued a concession to shareholders Pavel Pregelj, Andreas Pregelj, Felician Gompa, Pavel Junauer and Hans Godina. The basic condition for concession was a rich mine of iron ore – limonite. Napredalo was on the ridge between Podkraj and Vodice, from where the ore was with horses and mules carried through forests to Col and further along the former road to Fužine. [_Read more_]

Park Ajdovščina Park has a nice location, with a lot of trees which are providing a nice shadow and with benches to rest. [_Read more_]

Fortress Castra Roman fort Castra with 14 towers was built around year 270 and was involved in the defense system of the eastern borders of Roman empire – Klaustra. [_Read more_]

White willow at Hubelj White willow is located in a small park in front of Lavrič library in Ajdovščina. Along it runs footpath, just above the river Hubelj. [_Read more_]

Šturje Šturje lies on the left bank of river Hubelj. It is primarily a residental area with architectural specialities. [_Read more_]