Treasure chest: culture
Slovenia’s geographical location places it in the centre of cultural routes. Many historical and cultural periods, including Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Baroque and more recent periods, have given life and contributed to the beauty of Slovenian towns. Care for the conservation of cultural heritage is an important part of sustainable efforts. Ljubljana, the European Green Capital 2016, is a living picture book of architectural styles which was modernised in the 20th century by Jože Plečnik, one of the greatest architects of European modernism.
Slovenia’s historical towns nurture and preserve charming old town centres that take visitors back in time. Start your journey on the old Roman road from the ancient Poetovio (present-day Ptuj) to Celeia (Celje) in the east and onwards to the romantic medieval Škofja Loka and UNESCO-protected Idrija, where the second largest mercury mine in the world was operational for over 500 years, until the scent of salt brings you to coastal Piran, whose Venetian picturesqueness made it a popular film location for great names in cinematography such as, Marcello Mastroianni and Orson Welles. Above the three peaks of Mt Triglav, the Slovenian coat-of-arms features three stars, the symbol of Celje, the town of counts, and one of the most influential dynasties in medieval Europe. The most scenic Slovenian castles are theatres of history where the legends of knights and family plots come to life. The oldest found artefacts in the world date far back into the remote past. Archaeologists discovered an almost 60,000-year-old Neanderthal flute, made from the bone of a cave bear, which is considered the oldest instrument in the world and can be seen at the National Museum of Slovenia. The oldest wooden wheel with an axle in the world was also found in Slovenia and is part of the prehistoric culture of pile dwellers from the Ljubljana Marshes, a UNESCO heritage site.
Culture is considered the fifth season in Slovenia as the living traditions, music, theatre and other events bring sunshine throughout the year. Two of the oldest festivals in Europe dedicated to design, the International Biennial of Graphic Arts and the Biennial of Industrial Design, also take place in Slovenia. Special venues, such as town centre streets and castles, are brought to life with numerous outdoor events in the summer. Cultural events are organised in streets and squares, and
Slovenia pulses to the rhythm of festivals. Autumn is the time of grape harvests and St Martin's Day celebrations. In winter, the action moves to Advent fairs and other December celebrations, and the arrival of spring is later announced by Kurenti’s cowbells and Shrovetide celebrations. To understand and feel Slovenia, you have to open its three large treasure chests, which are the most magnificent assets of the Slovenian treasury of tradition and hide many surprises under their wooden lids.