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FEST MEST – culture and art in historic towns

Feel the vibrant cultural atmosphere of historic towns and enjoy a wide array of events as part of Slovenia's longest festival – FEST MEST.

Cultural experiences of historic towns

History and culture go well together. Add in a touch of modern urban atmosphere and it creates a wonderful cultural cocktail, which you can enjoy by attending the events as part of FEST MEST, Slovenia's longest festival. In addition to the cultural rainbow of events linking the towns and cities together, there are also interesting experiences and food-centred treats.

FEST MEST – the longest festival in Slovenia

Every town has its own soul and culture, telling the story of its past and bringing its streets and squares to life. Pieces of the cultural life of 21 historic towns, highlighting their unique character, are brought together in the rich and varied programme of the Fest Mest festival. It is enriched by selected events, performances, exhibitions, concerts and open-air productions from spring to late summer. These take place in old town centres, within monastery walls, in castle courtyards, town squares, and amidst the ambience of other medieval buildings. Just think of the acoustics that surround you at a concert in a church or in the halls of a castle! All of this adds a special charm to the events, turning them into a unique experience of history, culture, and art.

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20 reasons for a world-class experience in historic towns

Discover FEST MEST events that connect historic towns with a thread of culture and art. Treat yourself to a concert journey from the classics to Kreslin. Experience contemporary performances on unique stages from the past. Visit contemporary art exhibitions which, with their reflexivity and provocativeness, place historic towns at the heart of European creativity. 



Major festivals and events in historic towns

You can also feel the cultural pulse of historic towns at many festivals. Take a look at some of the most recognisable and popular festivals and events that you should definitely add to your to-do list.

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Days of Poetry and Wine

Days of Poetry and Wine

Days of Poetry and Wine in Ptuj is one of the most prestigious and recognisable international poetry festivals in this part of Europe.

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Tartini Festival

Tartini Festival

This international summer festival of chamber music is dedicated to composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini, who was born in Piran. In addition to Tartini's works, the festival also features the works of other great world and Slovenian composers as well...

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Seviqc Brežice

Seviqc Brežice

The Seviqc Brežice early music festival guides you into the forgotten world of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Baroque. Discover the sounds of old instruments, while the venues in various historical buildings create an authentic experience.

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Tastes of Radovljica

Tastes of Radovljica

The Tastes of Radovljica festival showcases the typical local restaurants, which use local ingredients for their dishes. Each November, they hold a festival, where they display special dishes and organise culinary events.

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Imago Sloveniae

Imago Sloveniae

During the Imago Sloveniae international festival, concerts take place all across Slovenia, including in many historic towns. Each year, more than 100 classical, jazz and folk concerts are organised, attended by over 80,000 people.

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Idrija Lace Festival

Idrija Lace Festival

Idrija Lace Festival is a unique tribute to Idrija's most famous product – the bobbin lace. Here, traditional bobbin lace masterpieces meet modern innovation. Various events and workshops spice up the festival.

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The Week of Slovenian Drama

The Week of Slovenian Drama

Each year, the Prešeren Theatre in Kranj hosts the Week of Slovenian Drama theatre festival as a tribute to the Slovenian theatre production. The international programme also includes plays written by Slovenian artists in foreign languages.

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Art Stays

Art Stays

The Art Stays international contemporary art festival brings prominent artists from Slovenia and abroad, from the most promising young artists to established names of contemporary art, to Ptuj and its surroundings.

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The Škofja Loka Passion Play

The Škofja Loka Passion Play

The Škofja Loka Passion Play is the oldest Slovenian play and it is part of the UNESCO's world heritage. Due to the complexity and the scope of the production, it is only performed every six years in Škofja Loka.

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Tips for exploring historic towns

Follow your curiosity and explore Slovenian historic towns. Discover tales from the past and tie in the modern culinary, cultural, family and fun experiences.

Tales of medieval castles

Slovenian historic towns are a treasure trove of tales from medieval and modern times alike. They are hidden behind the walls of mighty castles and manors, carved into town fortifications and walls. If you listen carefully, your mind can wander off to the times of noblemen and serfs, and experience life in towns and castles.

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Tales of medieval castles

Tales of medieval castles

Slovenian historic towns are a treasure trove of tales from medieval and modern times alike. They are hidden behind the walls of mighty castles and manors, carved into town fortifications and walls. If you listen carefully, your mind can wander off to the times of noblemen and serfs, and experience life in towns and castles.

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A family stroll through history

A family stroll through history

Fill your family photo album with unforgettable memories and experiences from Slovenian historic towns. Captivating adventures are waiting for you, where the past and the present meet, where myths and legends stir your imagination and where fairy tales can, at least in part, come true.

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Wine Towns

Wine Towns

Follow the rich wine tradition of historic towns in the wine-producing regions. Discover special local wines and compelling wine stories.

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Viewpoints of historical towns

Viewpoints of historical towns

Discover the most beautiful spots of the towns and cities, offering the best panoramic views of the streets and squares and their surroundings. The kind of spots that you won't necessarily need to change clothes or dress up for, as they are accessible directly from the city centres. Whether it's church spires, defence towers or hills in the middle of towns, climb above the skyline and enjoy the view.

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Forma viva - Open-air art

Forma viva - Open-air art

Enter into art galleries without walls, with no doors or windows, and with only the heavens for a roof. Take a look at the forma viva sculptures, living art in public spaces, which have inspired artists all over the world. Stroll among paintings and photos exhibited in squares, streets, parks and avenues.

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