Boršt lies on Mount Varda, 353 metres above sea level. Garden culture, religious buildings and a reminder of the Second World War offer different points of interest for discovering the place, alongside its landscape.

Cultural Landscape and Views

Boršt’s cultural landscape is shaped by rolling flysch hills and agricultural terraces on ridges above river valleys. From Boršt, there are views of the Starec stream valley and of Koper and Trieste; in clear weather, the view extends across the entire Gulf of Trieste. The elevation on Mount Varda and the viewpoints offer different perspectives on the landscape: from the Starec valley to expansive views across the gulf.

The Mediterranean Garden and Regular Events

The Mediterranean Garden of Boršt opened in 2018 next to the old school. As an educational centre, it was intended to preserve and promote the traditional plant life and cuisine of the northern Adriatic region. In 2018, the garden included themed beds with herbs, fruit and vegetables; the planting today may vary. Plants and cuisine are thus equally part of its original purpose.

An annual event is the celebration in honour of Saint Nazarius on 19 June at the Chapel of St Nazarius in Boršt. It includes a holy mass and a procession with the Mužika sv. Lazar Boršt wind orchestra. As the programme may change from year to year, check it before your trip. On 8 February, Slovenia’s cultural holiday, the traditional hike to the Frenk Bunker is also organised in Boršt. For this event, too, it is advisable to confirm the date and programme before planning your trip.

Religious Buildings and Local History

Boršt is officially recognised as part of Slovenia’s immovable cultural heritage. The Chapel of St Nazarius is dedicated to the first bishop of Koper, who is also the patron saint of the city of Koper. The Church of St Roch and St Sebastian dates back to the 13th century and is known for its Romanesque architecture and Baroque interior. The two religious buildings therefore highlight different aspects: the chapel’s dedication, and the church’s age and architecture.

The history of the Second World War is also rooted in Boršt: at the time, the village served as an important place of refuge. On 30 January 1945, an American pilot parachuted into Boršt from a crashing plane. Villagers hid him and helped him. The monument commemorating the landing of the American paratrooper recalls this wartime event. Thus, alongside Boršt’s general role as a place of refuge, there is a specifically dated incident involving the villagers’ actions.

Cycling Through Boršt

The K1 cycling route through the Refošk region passes through Boršt and includes several climbs and descents. It is considered suitable for more experienced cyclists. If you are planning to ride the K1, check current route conditions, as they may change. The cycling route offers another way to include Boršt in your travel plans, alongside the regular cultural events and historic sites.

Discover more destinations: Osp, Zgornje Škofije, Dekani, Koper, Šmarje, Truške, Labor, Črni Kal.

Back to the main travel overview: Koper.