Belica, Dobrova–Polhov Gradec
Belica, Dobrova–Polhov Gradec
Belica is a small settlement in Slovenia, located east of Polhov Gradec in the Municipality of Dobrova–Polhov Gradec, in the Upper Carniola region. It sits on the left bank of the Gradaščica River along the road from Ljubljana to Polhov Gradec, bordered by Rabidovš Hill to the north and Črtež Hill to the northwest.
The name Belica means “white (creek)” and comes from Belca Creek that flows through the area. It was first mentioned in 1303 as Weissempach (German for “white creek”) and in 1436 as Welcz. It was also known as Belza in German. The name is tied to the nearby Belca Creek.
Belica covers 1.73 square kilometers and sits at about 551 meters above sea level. In 2020, 35 people lived there, giving a population density of around 20 per square kilometer.
Cultural heritage: A bronze plaque in the Belca Gorge above Belica commemorates the Second World War Partisan First Battalion of the Dolomite Detachment. The inscription notes that on 19 March 1943, 22 men from the battalion, including commander Vladimir “Lado” Dolničar (also known as Rudi), died in a battle against Italians, Germans, and Home Guard. Dolničar, badly wounded, killed himself to avoid capture. He is recognized as a People's Hero. The bronze plaque replaced an earlier stone memorial.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 01:35 (CET).