Approximately 2.5 million years ago, the Šaleška dolina was dominated by a prehistoric forest, a landscape frequented by mastodons – the ancestors of modern elephants. Workers from the Velenje lignite mine unearthed significant portions of these mastodon skeletons in 1964. These fossil remains are now meticulously preserved within the museum located at Velenje Castle.
Remarkably, this ancient forest was ultimately compressed deep underground, transforming into coal deposits. A local legend recounts a mythical dragon, Pozoj, who resided in the Velenje lake during ancient times. The story details how Pozoj hatched from a crimson egg within a subterranean tunnel beneath Kozjak hill, causing a seismic event that fractured the rock and flooded the Šaleška dolina.
According to this enduring tale, Pozoj’s blood solidified into coal, subsequently contributing to the growth and development of the city of Velenje. This captivating local legend about the dragon Pozoj served as inspiration for architect Roko Poles, who designed the Vista park event venue, incorporating a viewing platform. The project’s origins are rooted in the long years ago, and the legacy of the discovery near velenje.
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