The town Idrija developed in a basin in the midst of a hilly and woody region. According to the legend, the tubmaker was soaking his newly manufactured tubs; when he wanted to lift one up, he could hardly move it. In the pail he had caught mercury.

Few years after the discovery of this treasure the mining began. Above the mine there grew the town. After five hundred years the mine is now being closed, but its heritage can still be seen and admired. I
drija has been changing from a previously mining settlement into an interesting tourist and educational centre, which is doubtlessly worth visiting.

In 2011, Idrija was awarded two prestigious titles:

Idrija-European Destination of Excellence 2011
Idrija–Alpine Town of the Year 2011