Partizanska bolnica Franja

About the museum

The illegal hospital in the hard-to-reach Pasice gorge at Dolenji Novaki near Cerkno operated between December 1943 and May 1945. For most of this time it was led by the doctor Franja Bojc Bidovec, after whom it was already named during the war. At the end of the war the complex comprised fourteen wooden buildings, including barracks for the wounded and staff, an operating room, an X-ray room, a store and an electricity station. The only access was along the stream that runs through the gorge. Around 900 people of various nationalities were treated in the hospital and its outlying departments.

After the war the hospital was preserved as a memorial; in May 1946 it was officially opened to visitors, and in 1952 it was placed under protection as a monument. In 2007 a flood almost completely destroyed it, so the state restored it entirely, and in June 2010 it reopened its doors. The Mestni muzej Idrija has managed it since 1963. In 2015 Franja received the European Heritage Label.

The hospital is closed until further notice because of the clean-up after the flood that hit the area on 13 July 2023; meanwhile an exhibition about Franja can be seen at the Cerkljanski muzej.

Key themes

• Preserved wooden buildings of the illegal hospital in the Pasice gorge
• European Heritage Label (2015)
• Collection of objects, from a spoon to a scalpel
• Path along the stream with interpretive panels

Operated by

Mestni muzej Idrija

Admission & discounts

The prices valid at the time of closure applied (price list from 1 January 2023); card payment was possible.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The path from the car park to the gorge takes about 10 minutes and runs along the stream via ramps, steps and wooden bridges. A visit is not recommended for persons with reduced mobility; sturdy footwear is advisable.

Kids & families

The museum runs programmes for schools, including Partizanska bolnica Franja – šola človekoljubja (school of humanity).

Getting there & parking

From the car park to the gorge it is about 10 minutes on foot.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit