In the Largest Underground Quarry
Photo Visit to the Lipica I and Lipica II Quarries - 2025-02
The Lipica Quarry, best known for its famous white limestone, has a rich history dating back several centuries. The extraction of Lipica limestone began in ancient times and reached its peak during the Venetian Republic. Due to its unique light color, durability, and ease of processing, it was used for paving roads, constructing palaces, churches, and other significant buildings.
Today, there are two active quarries in the Lipica area, Lipica I and Lipica II. Systematic stone extraction began in 1933 in Lipica I, which was then called the Lokev Quarry. In 1947, the quarry was taken over by the company Marmor Sežana, which also operates in the Doline and Kopriva quarries. The surface quarry Lipica I covers an area of approximately 160 × 70 meters, making it the largest among all the quarries. Excavation has reached a depth of about 40 meters, but in some areas, underground stone extraction continues. One of the advantages of this method is the preservation of the surface above the quarry, which remains unchanged.
The Lipica II Quarry, where extraction began in 1986, is entirely underground and is considered the largest underground quarry in Slovenia. Its only connection to the surface is a steep road descending more than 50 meters into a vast network of enormous galleries. In one of these galleries, workers discovered a larger entrance to a cave with stepped shafts while cutting through a wall. Speleologists later explored the cave to a depth of 210 meters (measured from the surface).
The largest and longest gallery extends into an immense space shortly after entry. These giant chambers are a testament to human ingenuity, and it is almost unimaginable to grasp the sheer volume and weight of the extracted blocks. Though they may resemble a cave, these are artificial spaces that, in theory, could be unstable. However, they are continuously monitored using measuring points. Ultimately, the key factors for safety are the cutting technology and the expertise of the workers, who carefully document and track cracks that determine the future development of the quarry.
During our photographic visit, we trusted the strength of the walls and supporting pillars. The precisely cut galleries offer stunning lighting possibilities, where blending different light sources can creatively enhance their depth. Of course, the best way to fully capture depth as a third dimension is through stereoscopic photography. Below is a preview image (top for parallel viewing and bottom for cross-eye viewing), with more to be showcased in a projection at the upcoming Days of Stereoscopy event. Last but not least, I would like to thank Marmor Sežana for allowing me to photograph in the quarry.
