Our rich natural heritage is complemented by the wealth of our history. Archaeological finds displayed in our museums provide evidence of human existence in the area from prehistoric times, and in the Cerkno museum a "flute" dating from more than 4,000 years ago also points to a Neanderthal presence. During Roman times, the region's importance as a frontier and position on trade routes is indicated by the number of roads, forts, outposts and settlements, a particularly well-preserved site being that of Ad Pirum on the ancient trading route between Ljubljana and Trieste, and where there is an excellent small Roman Museum at Stara Pošta.
The deep valleys and high mountains form a series of natural barriers and boundaries in this corner of Europe, and succeeding frontiers of peoples and empires are a constant yet varying thread in the fabric of our history. This frontier heritage is evident today not only in the many Roman remains, but also in the great strongholds against Turkish incursions, a turbulent period of history that saw the emergence of the national hero Martin Krpan, whose story of resistance later gained additional significance in Levstik's 19th century retelling. National resistance of the 20th century remains tangible in the many sites of Partisan activity. The printing office at Vojsko printed the only resistance newspaper in occupied Europe.

Our corner of the country is the crucible of modern Slovenia – it was here that Trubar wrote the first works in the Slovene language; here too that the first Slovene language technical school was founded, and the first Slovene Forestry Institute; and also here that the Slovene Parliament has its origins in the first Assembly of Delegates of the Slovene Nation.