Northwest of Cerkno, there is a canyon of the stream Pasica. Franja, the former hospital for partisans, sits in the middle of this gorge as a statement for Slovenian bravery and intentness of defence. Rocks, waterfalls and trees are hiding this place still as well as in the days of war in 1943, when Dr. Viktor Volcjak, founder of the hospital, vetting the first wounded soldiers. It was named after the woman doctor Dr. Franja Bojc-Bidovic, who took conduct of the hospital in 1944, only assisted by two nurses. The other staff consisted of semi-skilled wounded. Two attacks were successfully defended, so it was never really discovered by the enemy and could develop.

In early 1945 it had its own power house, x-ray equipment, workshops and laundry, even several smaller special divisions and operating rooms. Some of the defence hideouts could only be reached by climbing rope. During its operation, the hospital and its net of outposts served over a thousand wounded.


Mestni muzej Idrija,
Prelovceva 9, 5280 Idrija
Telefon: 00 386 5 3726 600
e-Mail: tajnistvo(at)muzej-idrija-cerkno.si

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