Stone buildings in the Primorska region

The main difference between houses in Gorenjska and Primorska is that in Gorenjska, more wood is used in construction, while in Primorska, more stone is used.

Two cultures are intertwined: Alpine and Mediterranean - one could also say mountain  and coastal. But even in Primorska, the houses around Kobarid and Tolmin are different from those in Trenta and around Bovec. Experts distinguish between two Alpine building types in the Primorska region: the Kobarid-Tolmin building type and the Bovec-Trenta building type, based on their common characteristics. The building types are also intertwined due to their contact with other areas.

KOBARID-TOLMIN BUILDING TYPE:

The closer we get to the sea from the Alps, the milder the winters and the roofs are less steep. In Kobarid and Tolmin, the roofs have a gentler slope. Traditionally, they were covered with thatch. They also have characteristic porches - external corridors along the longer side of the facade, but they are different from those in Gorenjska. By examining the details, we can determine that we are near the Mediterranean area: stone portals, window frames, external staircases... Due to the rugged terrain, houses are often built on slopes. The residential part is separated from the stables and haylofts. The latter are also not under the same roof, as is the case in Bohinj.

In the Tolmin-Kobarid area, there are also isolated farms - "celki", which you will not find in Gorenjska region. On the mountains, the buildings are made of stone. Because there is more snow in the mountains, the roofs of the mountain houses are steep and the buildings often stand in rows.

BOVEC-TRENTA BUILDING TYPE:

In this region, buildings are predominantly made of stone too. The residential part of the building is mostly located above the barns. The houses have steep roofs and gables at the ends. They are covered with wooden shingles. They have a typical arrangement of rooms: living room - black kitchen with a hallway/'house' - "kamra".

Sheep are the main grazers in the pastures of the Bovec area. Typical shepherd's buildings combine barns and haylofts with a small house - they are called prestaje. A separate chimney stands next to the living area (the kitchen).