Franja Partisan Hospital

Franja Partisan Hospital was a secret World War II hospital established by the Yugoslav Partisans. It was located in the remote Pasica Gorge near Cerkno, now in Slovenia, hidden deep in the forest and accessible only through a narrow, hidden path. The hospital operated from December 1943 until the end of the war in 1945. It was named after Dr. Franja Bojc Bidovec, who played a crucial role in its establishment and operation.

History

The hospital was established to provide medical services to wounded Partisan soldiers and civilians during the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia. Despite the constant threat of discovery by enemy forces, the hospital successfully treated over a thousand patients, thanks to its secluded location and the efforts of its staff and local supporters.

Structure

The complex consisted of several wooden barracks and huts, serving as operating rooms, wards, a pharmacy, and living quarters for the medical staff. The facilities were built with the help of local partisans and volunteers, using materials sourced from the surrounding area to ensure the hospital blended with the natural environment, making it difficult for enemy forces to locate.

Legacy

Today, the Franja Partisan Hospital is a museum, open to the public as a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and solidarity of the Slovenian people during World War II. It has been carefully restored and preserved, including the medical equipment and personal belongings of the staff and patients. The site is a symbol of the anti-fascist resistance in Slovenia and has been nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

See Also

• Yugoslav Partisans
• World War II in Yugoslavia
• Resistance movements during World War II