OROŽNOV TRG 5, LAŠKO

Zupanc House

A house that still echoes with the versatile interwar energy of barber Blaž Zupanc, whose work and ‘Blaž Rock’ viewpoint left a lasting mark on Laško.

LOCATION STORY

Zupanc House

Zupanc House is one of the characteristic historic buildings in Laško's old centre. It stands where the upper part of Aškerc Square opens towards Orožen Square.

The house was built in the early 19th century, around 1807, although the form of its windows suggests that its origins may be somewhat older.

Its principal façade is particularly striking. The centre is emphasised by a slightly projecting section with decorative pilasters, an entrance portal and a balcony. Barrel vaults, a characteristic feature of older architecture, also survive inside.

The house is named after Blaž Zupanc, who operated his barber's shop here for many years.

Blaž Zupanc — Laško barber, entrepreneur and man of great energy

Blaž Zupanc (1882–1933) was much more than a master barber. Born on 30 January 1882 in Tremarje, he studied in Celje but difficult financial circumstances forced him to leave secondary school early and learn the barber's trade. As an assistant he travelled widely before settling in Laško in 1906 and opening his own business.

He soon became involved in the town's economic and social life. He co-founded the Crafts Credit Cooperative and the Association of Crafts Cooperatives in Celje, which he chaired for several years. In Laško he founded the Cooperative of United Crafts and led it until his death. He also served on the management of the district savings and loan bank and for many years on the municipal council.

He was especially active in improving and promoting his home town. He served on the board of the Beautification and Tourist Traffic Society, took part in the Sokol movement and the local CMD branch, and was a dedicated firefighter. After 1918 he became the first commander of the Laško fire brigade.

Zupanc was a great admirer of Hum hill. In the early 20th century he arranged and secured a viewpoint there, which the people of Laško named Blaževa skala — Blaž Rock — in honour of the man whose work helped make Hum an attractive excursion and viewing point.

He died suddenly on 26 June 1933 at only 51 years of age. A newspaper obituary described him as a ‘true father of craftsmen’, a good adviser and a man always ready to help his fellow tradesmen.

THEN AND NOW