The Zakojška Ravine lies tucked between the hills of Cerkno and the Baška Ravine. Once, it was home to five grand homesteads, where the people of Zakojca lived - hardworking, resilient, and devoted, for whom farming was a way of life. They persevered there until the lure of an easier life in the cities drew them away. One day, they packed up and left, leaving behind only faint traces of a once-vibrant community.
The homesteads hold special architectural significance, characterized by a strong spatial organization. Their beliefs, deeply rooted in nature, shaped their way of life, including the design of their structures. Central to this was the concept of "tročani" - spatial triangles used to organize both villages and, on a smaller scale, homesteads. Drawing on their knowledge, they harnessed the sun's rays, studied natural patterns, and applied this geometry to the layout of their spaces. They firmly believed that improper placement would bring misfortune to the homestead.
As part of this study, interviews were conducted with locals, area experts, descendants of the homesteads, and heritage researchers. The research focuses on the site’s location and architecture, providing detailed measurements, drawings, and documentation of its current, sadly deteriorating state. The study aims to explore how a place as remote and abandoned as the Zakojška Ravine can be made more accessible, while preserving and respecting the secrets and heritage quietly hidden within its untouched natural landscape.
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