Okna

The smell of the Karst autumn awoke Leopold I. from his lonesome thoughts. It was late October 1660. The Habsburg Emperor was returning to Trieste from his visit of Ljubljana. The time for lunch was approaching and Leopold I. ordered his entourage to ride onwards in search of an inn.

Already after less than half an hour they returned: ‘Sir, we have found a pleasant inn. The village is called Lokev and we are almost there,’ they rushed to explain. Content, Leopold I. leaned back on his cushioned chair. They were not mistaken. Soon he could notice a stone village in the distance. A high bell tower, a defensive tower, stone houses… black rectangular openings. He was surprised to notice so many open windows in the upper floors of the houses.

The news of his arrival soon spread around the village. The young and old rushed to the main square to see the Habsburg Emperor. On the stone doorstep the local innkeeper awaited Leopold I. with a carefully selected meal. A sudden gust of northerly wind slammed the wooden shutters shut. The emperor sighed and looked at the innkeeper who was looking at him with great expectation.

Thus, he tasted the Lokev prosciutto.