Klavže - water barriers
Slovenian pyramids
Klavže - water barriers
Klavže, also known as water barriers, are situated amidst the Idrija forests within the Zgornja Idrijca Landscape Park. They hold significant historical value as one of the well-preserved structures of the Idrija Mercury Mine. Renowned for their remarkable size and impressive technical, technological, and aesthetic features, they have earned the nickname "Slovenian pyramids." Within the framework of the "Mercury Heritage: Almadén and Idrija" project, they were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2012.
Idrija Klavže
In 1772, water barriers were constructed on the Idrijca River, featuring the largest capacity and dimensions. These barriers measure 41.4 metres in length and 10.8 metres in width. Behind the dam, an 800-metre-long channel enabled the retention of up to 249,000 cubic metres of water. Notably, it was possible to float an impressive amount of timber to Idrija, reaching up to 10,000 cubic metres and even 13,000 cubic metres at a time.
Belčne or Brusove klavže
The Klavže water barriers were constructed between 1767 and 1769. They were specifically engineered to accommodate a water capacity of up to 78,000 cubic meters, enabling the transportation of substantial volumes of wood. At any given time, these barriers facilitated the floating of approximately 5,000 cubic meters of wood.
Putrihove klavže
Of all the klavže water barriers in the Idrija region, the Putrih klavže on the Belca stream is the most picturesque. It was built in 1779 at an altitude of 578 metres and is masterfully nestled into the steep banks of the river gorge. It is located 2 km above the Belca klavže. The Putrih klavže operated as a complementary catchment of the lower lying Belca klavže. The wall length at the top, or crown, of the barrier was 44 metres, and the klavže had a capacity of 32,000 m3 of water.
Visit Klavže
Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Idrija's forests and explore a remarkable testament to technical heritage.
Discover the Idrijske klavže on the Idrijca River, Brusova klavže - Belčne klavže, and Putrihov klavže on the Belca River, all meticulously restored and carefully preserved. Among them, the Ovčjaške klavže on the Ovčjakarica River, a right tributary of the Kanomljica, represents the most recent addition to this collection of historical marvels.
