Images and maps courtesy of Lipica Stud Farm

In 1580, Archduke Karl, son of the Austro-Hungarian Emperor, Ferdinand I, founded the Lipica Stud Farm to breed horses for the Spanish Riding School in Vienna and the Royal Court stables. As The Rough Guide to Slovenia recounts, "That the Lipizzaner has survived at all is remarkable, having been evacuated to southern Hungary during Napoleon's occupation in the late 18th century, divided by the Italians and Austrians during World War I, and then seized by the Germans during World War II." Despite the odds, the farm persisted in Austro-Hungarian hands until World War II, after which it became part of Yugoslavia. For the past ten years this national treasure of Slovenia has been state-owned, located just two kilometers from the Italian border in the southwest corner of this diminutive country.

Today there are about 400 horses roaming the estate, divided between show, competition and riding horses. Of course, there are plenty of young ones that are just having fun growing up in this beautiful setting. Their carefree lives in the herd last for three years, training begins at four years old, and they are only ready for performance at age seven. Lipizzaners live for 25 to 30 years on average, usually performing into their early 20s.

Guests with more than a passing fancy for horses may book a horseback ride or a carriage ride around the estate or even riding lessons with Lipica's expert horse trainers and dressage specialists. Visitors who want to keep their feet firmly on the ground will enjoy an informative walking tour of the extensively-landscaped grounds, impressive stable facilities with plenty of snow white horse flesh to stroke, and, if timing is right, a delightful demonstration of horse and rider skills in the indoor or outdoor arenas. Tours and shows are offered year round, but at different times depending on the season. Carriage rides and horseback rides for guests are mainly scheduled between May and September.

However, horses are not the only attraction of the stud farm. Located in the vicinity of one of its oldest stables, there is the art gallery of Avgust Cernigoj with the permanent exhibition of the Slovenian artist's outstanding works. The gallery Kos offers works of art and objects of the local craftsmanship, and sculptures abound in the park of Lipica. The 18th century church of St. Anton Padovanski is part of the Lipica tradition where wedding ceremonies are still conducted. Additional gift shops and eateries mean that visitors may easily spend a pleasant day just strolling and relaxing in the manner of Archduke Karl and his friends four centuries ago.

The Hotel Maestoso, deriving its name from a famous stallion bred at Lipica, is located in the center of the stud farm. Recently renovated, it now offers three-star rooms and suites plus an indoor swimming pool, terrace, sauna, restaurant and casino. The three-star Hotel Klub, also in the historic core of the stud farm close to the stables, offers similar room and suite amenities plus a sauna, fitness center, club room, restaurant, aperitif bar and pub. Both hotels offer half board and full board packages as well as discounts for family groups and three-day "specials" of riding and golf holidays. On the estate there is also a well-designed, nine-hole golf course, shaded by centuries-old limes and oaks and blessed with the mild Mediterranean climate that allows it to stay open year round.