Laze, Jakovica, Hotedršica

At the edge of a beautiful fertile flood plain "Planina polje", Laze and Jakovica are within easy walking distance of each other. A 400-year old farm in Laze is the home and workshop of a potter who creates fine pieces inspired by local life and legends. The 16th century church of St. Michael is just a few metres from the Chapel of St. Mary, one of the smallest pilgrimage churches in Slovenia, built over a curative spring several centuries ago. Along the valley to the north-west is Hotedršica, a large village that invites discovery. A rare "black kitchen" in one of the village's oldest houses is still used to produce delicious smoked meats.

The architect Jože Plečnik was a frequent visitor to this village of his father's birth and designed the area around the rectory and the church. Look for the statue on the bridge as you stroll to the church – he is St. John of Nepomuk, protector of bridges. The lane across the main road from the church leads to the old flour mill, one of the few preserved mills in Europe that was built over a karst swallow-hole. The flow re-emerges in Planina polje.