Mokronog, a poor region

The village of Mokronog lies, on the spot where the Mirna valley broadens for the last time. The village was already settled in Celtic times.

Here there once stood a castle of the powerful feudal lords, which is demolished today. Other villages in the valley include Puščava, a railway stop, Martinja vas and Hrastovica with the Zagorica Castle.

The area is surrounded on all sides by rolling hills mostly covered with forests. Small, narrow valleys and numerous streams wind their way through the hills. The whole area is dotted with scattered hamlets, in some places clustered into small villages, and a great many isolated farms.

Life in these hills has always been a struggle, as there is very little fertile soil. Whatever soil there is of poor quality, and field produce is poor. Until the Second World War this was the poorest region in Slovenia.

Nevertheless, its inhabitants are warm and hospitable, and the countryside enchantingly beautiful.

Behind the village the Mirna valley narrows into a gorge, through which the road and railway find their way to the Sava River.

So here we are. Visit this area, because you will see how difficult it is here to live, but small things are sometimes better than all the goods you can have.

From Mokronog back to Lower Carniola