Discovering unique treasures and handicrafts
Embark on an exciting journey through Slovenia, where each historic town reveals a unique story. Transform your experiences into a grand narrative by following thematic trails and discovering their distinctive features.
Explore medieval walled towns
Begin your exploration in Piran, Slovenia’s most romantic historic town. Ascend the preserved walls to catch a breathtaking view of the Old Town near St George’s Church. Travel to the medieval marvel of Škofja Loka, where Loka Castle encapsulates over 1,000 years of history connected with the Škofja Loka Passion Play, also included on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. In Kranj, eight defensive towers bear witness to its strategic importance. Continue your journey to Celje, discovering the Old Castle, a testament to the influential Counts of Celje. Conclude your visit to in Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town, dominated by the mighty Ptuj Castle, now a captivating museum.
Follow the path of handicraft traditions
Delve into the world of master artisans preserving the heritage of a bygone era. Tržič’s Cobblers Sunday (1 September 2024) pays homage to the town’s renowned shoemakers. Radovljica, Slovenia’s sweetest town, immerses you in the art of beekeeping and the creation of the gingerbread. Idrija reveals the treasures of the second-largest mercury mine globally and UNESCO-listed gems, including the renowned Idrija lace and the culinary delight žlikrofi. In Slovenj Gradec, learn about the tragic story of the composer Hugo Wolf and visit Perger Honey Heaven to relish honeyed delicacies. Ravne na Koroškem shares a unique story of success and dedication through steel sculptures recalling the history of mining iron.
The mysterious power of silence
Uncover tranquil churches atop hills and trace the legacy of monasteries, silent keepers of time. The Franciscan monastery in Novo mesto boasts one of the country’s oldest libraries and offers insights into the city’s earlier history. Kostanjevica na Krki welcomes you to a former Cistercian monastery-turned-gallery complex with significant art collections. Experience profound silence at the Žiče Carthusian Monastery in Slovenske Konjice or explore the Ursuline monastery in Mekinje near Kamnik. The birthplace of Bishop Anton Martin Slomšek in Ponikva in Šentjur adds to this rich tapestry of remarkable sites.
In vino veritas
Slovenia’s world-class wines are a revelation. Taste the noble refosco or malvasia in Koper, once the Venetian coastal pearl. Explore Žužemberk, renowned for its mighty castle and indigenous zweigelt grape variety. Metlika‘s Vinska Vigred festival celebrates blaufränkisch and metlika black (Metliška črnina). Discover the culinary delights of Črnomelj, accompanied by a Bela Krajina wine. Conclude your wine journey in Brežice, where you’ll find the oenological specialties cviček and bizeljčan, a perfect finale to your Slovenian adventure.
For more inspiring ideas, visit the Slovenian Historic Towns Association.
