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A gourmet journey through your favourite historic cities

Gastronomic offering of historical cities is a top-level journey through traditional flavours that in certain places flirt with haute cuisine. It's finger-licking good!

One eats well in historical cities

Do you know about the most recognisable traditional dishes in historical cities? Do you know that praise for their gastronomic offering reaches beyond borders? And that culinary masterpieces full of talent, originality and inspiration have also impressed the famous Michelin Guide? Yes, as you stroll through Slovenian historical cities, you will certainly eat well. Traditional and modern.

Taste the traditional

At the crossroads of various influences, from the fertile soil and riches of nature that are virtually at your fingertips, traditional dishes have been created in the Slovenian lands for centuries. Today, Slovenia is divided into 24 gastronomic regions that are characterised by distinctive foodstuffs, dishes and drinks. You can also taste dishes characteristic of individual areas in historical cities.

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They are so special that you simply have to try them

In addition to dishes characteristic of individual regions and destinations, some cities have specialities of their own that you will find difficult to resist. In these dishes you can taste the character of an individual city and its history. And if you enjoy them, you can try preparing them yourself in your home kitchen.

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Jesenice-style govnač

Jesenice-style govnač

A simple meal based on boiled cabbage and potatoes reflects the modest lifestyle of ironworks workers. It goes well with cooked beef, Carniolan sausage or Gorenjska želodec.

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Tuhinjska fila and Fürst's game goulash

Tuhinjska fila and Fürst's game goulash

Tuhinjska fila is usually prepared in the Kamnik area for Easter. Fürst's game goulash brings a noble touch, as wild game hunting used to be mostly the domain of nobility.

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Kostanjevica cop na lop

Kostanjevica cop na lop

Children from Kostanjevica na Krki mostly used to treat themselves to a sort of flavoured flatbread with cottage cheese and cream filling, and today you are sure to find the local "pizza" delicious, too.

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Ptuj Kurent soup

Ptuj Kurent soup

They have dusted off their old cookbooks in Ptuj and revived a recipe for a goose meat and vegetable soup that used to be prepared during carnival time. Since Kurent is a recognisable character of the Ptuj carnival, the soup was named after it.

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Radovljica smoked trout soup

Radovljica smoked trout soup

The river Sava, which flows peacefully past Radovljica, is the home to excellent trout. This is known to Uroš Štefelin of Villa Podvin, labelled with a Michelin star, who has created an excellent recipe for smoked trout soup.

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Slovenj gradec mežerli

Slovenj gradec mežerli

The people of Koroška have numerous specialities of their own, including the dish called mežerli. It is based on offal, soaked old bread, fried onions and spices.

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Slovenske Konjice ocvirkovka

Slovenske Konjice ocvirkovka

Although some might think that this is a special type of potica, in the Slovenske Konjice area ocvirkovka (pork rind pie) is prepared in a completely different and simpler way.

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Škofja Loka medla

Škofja Loka medla

Škofja Loka medla is a dish made from kasha or flour and dressing, and is one of the oldest home-made peasant dishes. It used to be food for poor people, while today even gourmets gladly enjoy it.

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Celje rolca

Celje rolca

The popular dessert from Celje made from walnut dough and cream filling and topped with chocolate and ground walnuts will make many mouths water.

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Tržič maslovnik

Tržič maslovnik

If you take a stroll around Tržič and its mountainous surroundings, you will need a lot of energy. You will get this energy from a traditional dish made from sour cream, eggs and cornmeal, which used to be eaten before working in the field or forest.

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Are you ready for some more tasty recipes?

In every destination and historical city you can taste a characteristic drink or dish and try to prepare them at home. Take a look at some more ideas for your Slovenian-style lunch!

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gastronomija zgodovinskih mest_vila podvin

Michelin masters

The fact that Michelin stars also shine on the Slovenian sky is proof that we have a top-level and quality gastronomic offering. The 2021 European Region of Gastronomy is, in the opinion of the Michelin Guide, certainly a "destination that should be visited". Slovenian master chefs build on tradition and local foodstuffs in close cooperation with world-renowned Slovenian winemakers. Exceptional gastronomic experiences also await you in historical cities that present the bearers of prestigious Michelin labels.

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Michelin's sustainability stars

Sustainability has a special place in Slovenia. Also when it comes to cuisine. In the company of the recipients of Michelin's sustainability label are also restaurants that you can discover while exploring historical cities.

Restaurants with a Bib Gourmand label

In the restaurant of the Hotel Jožef, which boasts Michelin's Bib Gourmand label, try characteristic Idrija dishes such as žlikrofi, smukavc and zeljševka, which are prepared entirely in the restaurant according to traditional recipes.

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Where can you enjoy some culinary delights recommended by the Michelin Guide?

Putting a culinary cherry on top of your visit to one of the historical towns, you can go to one of the restaurants featured in the prestigious Michelin Guide. Treat yourself to a plate of superb culinary delights.

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Ošterija Debeluh, Brežice

Ošterija Debeluh, Brežice

The restaurant's modern elegance combined with pleasant cosiness is only the introduction to a culinary experience at Ošterija Debeluh. In addition to culinary masterpieces signed by chef Jure Tomič, it boasts one of the best wine lists in Slovenia.

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Kenda Manor, Idrija

Kenda Manor, Idrija

The kitchen of Kenda Manor creates dishes made by tested old recipes, from fresh ingredients provided by the local environment.

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Restaurant Francl, Celje

Restaurant Francl, Celje

Restaurant Francl radiates with pleasant homeliness and nostalgia already at the first sight. Dishes created by following the recipes of our grandmothers are revived on the plate in a modern way, while being just as delicious as they used to be.

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Otočec Castle

Otočec Castle

The romantic atmosphere of a unique castle on an island in the river Krka is excellently complemented by culinary masterpieces by chef Nejc Ban. Genuine flavours intertwined with tradition and creativity is in the pride of Otočec.

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Stara Gostilna, Piran

Stara Gostilna, Piran

Do not be confused by the name – Stara Gostilna (Old Restaurant) is home to top-level modern culinary art. Experience an unforgettable spectacle in an intimate Mediterranean ambience that will stir your senses.

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Danilo, Škofja Loka

Danilo, Škofja Loka

The family tradition of the Danilo restaurant and vinotheque spills over into a top-level and modern gastronomic experience, where local ingredients from Škofja Loka are the star attraction.

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Experience a gastronomic image of cities in your own way

Slovenian historical cities offer unforgettable culinary experiences and modern culinary art closely connected to local providers of fresh produce. While exploring the sights of cities and their surroundings, you can taste "some more" at culinary events that excite both young and old year after year, with an emphasis on local culinary specialities, of course.

Altroke Sweet Istria

In September, the streets of Koper transform into a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. If you visit the Sweet Istria festival, you can satisfy your sweet cravings just like the people of Slovenian Istria have done. In addition to traditional Istrian sweets, you can also taste desserts from other parts of Slovenia, or you might even be impressed by modern sweet masterpieces by Slovenian and foreign master confectioners.

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Altroke Sweet Istria

Altroke Sweet Istria

In September, the streets of Koper transform into a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. If you visit the Sweet Istria festival, you can satisfy your sweet cravings just like the people of Slovenian Istria have done. In addition to traditional Istrian sweets, you can also taste desserts from other parts of Slovenia, or you might even be impressed by modern sweet masterpieces by Slovenian and foreign master confectioners.

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Radol’ca, honestly sweet

Radol’ca, honestly sweet

Every year Radovljica turns into the Slovenian capital of chocolate for a few days. Visit food stands and taste various types of chocolate sweets made by Slovenian chocolate producers. In the autumn, when the best flavours of Radovljica ripen, visit taverns and restaurants during the Taste Radol'ca festival.

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Days of Poetry and Wine

Days of Poetry and Wine

One of the most important culinary events in historical cities is the Days of Poetry and Wine in Ptuj; the recognised international festival of poetry is where the fine word meets top-level wine.

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Wine Trail

Wine Trail

Although Gorenjska is not technically a wine region, you can treat yourself to a very special wine-themed event in Kranj in the autumn. The Wine Trail even is organised every year around St. Martin's Day in the labyrinths of corridors under the old city of Kranj, where you can taste selected wines from Slovenia in a different way.

Cviček Week

Cviček Week

The cviček wines are considered to be truly special wines. Its home is the region of Dolenjska, where a special holiday, called the Cviček Week, is dedicated to it every year in Novo Mesto, at which best local wines are evaluated.

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Experiences that teach you how to cook Slovenian-style

You can participate in the creation of a unique gastronomic experience yourself - as part of culinary experiences offered by historical cities.

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Culinary skills in Hiša Linhart

Culinary skills in Hiša Linhart

In Hiša Linhart in Radovljica you will be able to learn the secrets of culinary mastery in its culinary school, which also has a department for the youngest chefs.

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How to make true Idrija žlikrofi?

How to make true Idrija žlikrofi?

Idrija žlikrofi is a traditional speciality, which is why their preparation requires special attention. In Idrija they will gladly teach you the art of making žlikrofi.

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A welcome with Bela Krajina pogača

A welcome with Bela Krajina pogača

The people of the Bela Krajina region like to welcome their gusts with their own type of pogača. The dish, which is made from dough and sprinkled with caraway, is protected as a traditional speciality guaranteed; you can try it at selected providers...

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When it smells like Škofja Loka gingerbreads

When it smells like Škofja Loka gingerbreads

Škofja Loka is known for its local type of gingerbreads, called loški kruhki, which are made in special models. Learn the old handicraft speciality of the Škofja Loka area in special workshops.

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Open the door to a honey paradise

Open the door to a honey paradise

The Perger family in Slovenj Gradec has been dealing with candle-making and licitar-making since 1757. Their products have impressed many people, including celebrities from all over the world. Learn some of their skills in workshops for licitar hearts...

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Follow local brands

Collective brands are established under the "Originally Slovenian" model, which is based on a value chain that connects providers farm-to-fork. It enables you to buy high-quality offering of food and handicraft products with local added value that are labelled with a certificate that will help you recognise the collective brands. Some historical cities have established a collective brand of their own or are part of one.

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Tastes of Radovljica

Tastes of Radovljica

The Tastes of Radovljica brand connects local restaurants that preserve traditional cuisine or take a modern approach to it, swearing by local ingredients.

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Tastes of Kamnik

Tastes of Kamnik

The rich history of Kamnik is reflected in the diversity of Kamnik’s cuisine. Taste typical Kamnik dishes, from Tuhinj trout to the traditional "Kloštrska kremšnita" cream pastry.

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Tastes of Posavje

Tastes of Posavje

Different food service providers in Posavje that swear by the local tradition and traditional Posavje flavours and wines are connected through the Tastes of Posavje brand.

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Idrija Selected

Idrija Selected

Quality, tradition and innovation are the main features of handicraft, artistic and food products, as well as experiences from the Idrija area that have been granted the Idrija Selected certificate.

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Tastes of Rogla

Tastes of Rogla

Although the emphasis is on flavours, the local brand Tastes of Rogla combines both food and handicraft products from the Rogla-Pohorje destination.

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Taste Ptuj

Taste Ptuj

Taste local specialties through a modern culinary and wine experience in the oldest city in Slovenia. Try menus imbued with the tradition of Ptuj in selected Pruj restaurants and taverns.

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Flavours of the Škofja Loka countryside

Flavours of the Škofja Loka countryside

The Flavours of the Škofja Loka countryside revive the almost forgotten dishes of local grandmothers in a new, creative way. The foundation is, of course, local ingredients from Škofja Loka.

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Taste Celje

Taste Celje

If the Counts of Celje were alive today, they would certainly indulge in the dishes that boast the Taste Celje label. But since that is not possible, you can enjoy the selected Celje delicacies instead.

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Are you ready for a trip to historical cities?

The most beautiful strolls through the historical cities of Slovenia can start with a short stop. If you would like to discover the most beautiful city sights and combine your stroll with the chance to enjoy in local cuisine, take a trip do discover unique experiences.

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History and cuisine going hand in hand

Slovenian historical cities reveal many stories from the past in an interesting and modern way. This also goes for gastronomy, where you will be offered traditional culinary specialties presented in a new, modern way in local taverns and top-level restaurants.

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