Multifaceted landscapes Slovenian Landmarks – Utrinki iz Slovenije, by Boštjan Burger, is a massive panaromic virtual guide of Slovenia, consisting of 4000 panoramas and over 7000 photos. The goal of the site is ‘to display the cultural and natural heritage of Slovenia with interactive Virtual Reality Panoramas.’
An impressive array of interactive maps of Slovenia are categorized thematically of: museums, galleries, castles, churches, towns and regions, caves, waterfalls, winter sports, spas and wellness centres. The maps are entry points to: large photos, 360 degree panoramic views and brief descriptions of the many landmarks, in Slovenian and English, accompanied by links to web sites.
The collection shows the multitude of natural and historic features of Slovenia with photos and maps. The section and guide to the caves, with the maps of the larger cave systems and virtual guides, are an informative introduction to the magnitude of the caves of Slovenia. The Postojna Caves Interactive virtual tour is a new visualisation including 53 locations with additional full screen VR panoramas.
The section, ‘Land of Waterfalls’, presents a marvellous tour of the natural world. Many details and photos are provided about waterfalls; including a chart by the author of the varying accessibility of the waterfalls. There are over 300 permanent waterfalls in Slovenia.
Amongst the many places of interest are: Osp, the oldest village in Slovenia and sport climbing center, and the monastery of Olimje built in the seventeenth century, was the third apothecary in Europe.
Learning activities
1. Writing a chart
Text-type: chart
Linguistic element: noun –
Write a chart of the attractions of Ljubljana to accompany a map of the city
http://www.burger.si/Ljubljana/ENGPanorame.htm
2. Design a brochure
Text-type: brochure
Linguistic element: prepositions
Write a brochure on the attractions of castles in Slovenia
http://www.burger.si/SLOGradovi.html
3. Letter-writing
Text-type: letter
Linguistic element: pronoun- demonstrative
In a letter include details of the Bogenšperk Castle of J V Valvasor
http://www.burger.si/SLOGradovi.html
http://www.gradovi.net/
4. Conversation
Text-type: conversation
Linguistic element: questions
Write a text of a conversation about your trip along the Slovenian coast – sourcing the interactive map
http://www.burger.si/Obala/Obala_Skica.htm
5. Write a report
Text-type: report
Linguistic element: adjective
List and describe the waterfalls of Triglav National Park
http://www.burger.si/Slapovi_TNP.html
http://www.burger.si/TriglavNationalPark/TriglavskiNarodniParkSkica.htm
6. Write a tour itinerary
Text-type: tour program
Linguistic element: verb – tenses
Write a tour program for visiting waterfalls
http://www.burger.si/Slapovi_TNP.html
http://www.burger.si/aboutthe.htm#experience
Comprehension – reading and responding
Read the text ‘Skrivnosti Kras ‘ from the web site, Slovenia – Official Travel Guide,
Answer the following questions in English.
1. Which Kras caves are frequently visited?
2. How many caves are open for tourists?
2. When was the ‘Postojnska jama’ first recorded?
3. What is the name of the unique cave animal in Postojna?
4. Where are the Škocjanske jame located?
5. How long are the walking paths?
6. From where did the Lipizzaner horse originate ?
7. What is the name of the outstanding medieval settlement in Kras?
