ČRNI KAL
A medieval village featuring Benko House from 1489, a leaning bell tower, and the remnants of San Sergio Castle, offering a glimpse into the rich history and architectural marvels of Karst Edge.
Explore Črni Kal, a beautiful medieval village situated beneath the picturesque Karst Edge. In the village, you can admire the Benko house from 1489, celebrated as the oldest example of folk architecture in Slovenia. You can also ascend to the leaning bell tower of the Baroque Church of St. Valentine, which offers a panoramic view stretching all the way to the sea.
Discover Črni Kal, a picturesque village that will enchant you with its medieval design and architectural gems from the 15th and 16th centuries. This village, once on the border between Venice and Austria, is now recognised as part of Slovenia’s cultural heritage.
The history of Črni Kal dates back to the Palaeolithic and Roman periods, with numerous finds from the nearby quarry. Don’t miss visiting the remains of the 11th-century San Sergio Castle, accessible via a picturesque metal bridge that offers unforgettable views.
The Istrian Karst village boasts many architectural gems, with the Benko House from 1489, considered the oldest rural residence in the municipality of Koper, standing out. The house is also the oldest known marked and dated building of folk architecture in Sloveniafeaturing traces of late Gothic and Romanesque design.
Other homesteads are also worth a visit: Homestead Črni Kal 17, featuring the remains of a former homestead with a karst courtyard and a preserved stone-carved entrance, known as a “porton”, inscribed with “A.V.47” and the year 1863; Homestead Črni Kal 37, dating from 1818, consisting of residential and outbuildings with rich stonemasonry details; and House Črni Kal 38, built between the 16th and 18th centuries, a low, one-story house with partially preserved typical features of the architecture of the villages below Karst Edge.
Don’t miss the Baroque-style St. Valentine’s Church with its independent bell tower, dating from 1802. The bell tower is visibly tilted due to the unique ground conditions.
The village of Črni Kal is also known for its favorable microclimate, which villagers utilized to plant various Mediterranean plants. The fruits were sold in the markets of coastal towns and Trieste, and wine was even sold in Vienna.
For those looking for a unique and authentic experience, Črni Kal offers rich history and culture surrounded by natural beauty.
TOP 5 ATTRACTIONS
- Discover the ruins of the medieval Castle of San Sergio.
- Visit Benko House, the oldest rural residence dating from 1489.
- Check out the Baroque Church of St. Valentine with its leaning bell tower dating from 1802.
- Explore the karst courtyard of the Homestead (Črni Kal 38) with a stone entrance called “porton” dating from 1863.
- Check out the House (Črni Kal 18), an example of Karst architecture from the 16th to the 18th century.
