Idrijska rudarska hiša
One of the last Idrija miners' houses from the 18th century, with a furnished flat of a miner's family from the early 20th century; visits only with a museum guide.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
In the slope not far from the centre of Idrija, surrounded by vegetable gardens, stands one of the last miners' houses that for centuries shaped the image of the town. It was built in the second half of the 18th century near the Frančiška mine shaft, where the museum's technical department is today. Locally it is called pr' Kosu. In 1910 three families with 18 members lived in it; the last resident and owner was the seamstress Dora Kos (1912–1984). The museum bought the house from her heirs and comprehensively renovated it in the early nineties of the 20th century.
The Idrija miners' house is a special type of house: dug into the slope, tall and made of wood, with a steep roof of fir shingles and extensions. The structure is of timber, while the foundations, the cellar and the kitchens on all floors are of masonry. Because of the housing shortage, one or two rented families lived in the houses in addition to the owner, so they can be regarded as the forerunners of the mining residential blocks, the prhavzi.
Today the house contains a furnished flat of a miner's family from the early 20th century, complemented by black-and-white photographs of the former Idrija. It takes visitors into the modest everyday life of their ancestors, which was enriched by comradeship, sociability and a sense of humour.
Highlights
- Furnished flat of a miner's family from the early 20th century
- Special type of Idrija miners' house, dug into the slope
- Black-and-white photographs of the former Idrija
- Vegetable garden beside the house
- Nearby, the museum's technical department in the Frančišek shaft
Permanent exhibition
- Idrijska rudarska hiša – The furnished flat of a miner's family from the early 20th century and the black-and-white photographs of the former Idrija show the modest everyday life of the miners.
- Operated by
- Mestni muzej Idrija
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4primary school pupils, secondary school pupils, students and pensioners |
| Groups | €6 per personPrice per person for adult groups with a guide; the reduced admission for groups is €4. |
| Families | €13Family ticket. |
The price list applies from 1 March 2026. Free tickets and discounts are described on the page of Gewerkenegg Castle.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Family ticket | €13 · Family ticket. |
|---|
For schools (primary school 1st–3rd triads and secondary school) a 30-minute programme is available by arrangement; a family ticket is available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The house is about a 5-minute walk from the bus station.
From Gewerkenegg Castle, after a walk through the town centre along Rožna ulica, you reach the Aumeški trg (Aumeški Square), where you turn left uphill at the monument; after a three-minute walk the house stands there. In the immediate vicinity is the museum's technical department in the Frančišek shaft.
Get directionsAmenities & 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
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The visit lasts about 45 minutes with a guide from the museum. You visit the house accompanied by a museum guide from the reception at Gewerkenegg Castle; groups registered in advance may have the guide wait on site. Registration: 05 372 66 00, tajnistvo@muzej-idrija-cerkno.si. A 30-minute programme for schools is available by arrangement. |
