Squares, be it the main, town, old, castle or a square by any other name, were all predecessors to old town centres and developed into historic towns that give our country its special charm and beauty. They are the best witnesses of the past and at the same time modern meeting grounds and venues for many town events. Here are a few of the countless stories they tell and the precious cultural heritage they carefully preserve. Discover the squares of historic towns, living museums of time.
The old town centre took its present form after the fire of 1811, following the example of imperial Vienna and provincial Ljubljana. However, elements of architecture of the Gorenjska region are nevertheless still evident today.
Glavni trg (the Main Square) unveils the characteristics of the old town: the building with its playful patterns on the façade, which continues onto Maistrova ulica, is a reminder of the many traces left in Kamnik by the architect Jože Plečnik.
Low, pastel-coloured houses lead you to Stari trg (the Old Square), down a street that is cut in half by a babbling brook of various names, with Konjiška Gora mountains and St George’s Church keeping a watchful eye in the background.
Tartini Square is a distinctive landmark of Piran, created by the filling in of what was once a small harbour for fishing boats with sand. It is surrounded by medieval buildings in the Venetian style, such as the Benečanka (the Venetian).
When it was built in the 16th century, the largest medieval town square in Slovenia was considered the most beautiful in the country. And even today, the funnel-shaped Glavni trg (the Main Square) in Novo mesto is a feast for the eyes and a popular gathering place.
The core of the Stara Sava settlement in Jesenice is made up of the ironworks facilities, which still tell the stories of the lives of the ironworkers and other labourers. The old town centre serves as an event venue and a market, and houses a museum and a music school.
Despite its rather modern name, Tito Square in Koper is characterised by its elegant Venetian architecture, which is embodied by the Praetorian Palace, the Loggia, and the 54-metre-high bell tower offering amazing views of the town.
Grajski trg (the Castle Square) in Žužemberk was once the crossroads of trade routes in the Suha Krajina region. There is a cast-iron fountain with snake heads on the square, which was cast at the nearby Auersperg ironworks. Watching over the square is the Žužemberk Castle, the venue of the annual Market Medieval Days.
Ulica stare pravde, or Gasa as the locals call it, is one of the most beautiful streets in the old town. It is flanked on both sides by two of the town’s greatest architectural landmarks – the Brežice Castle and the Water Tower.
Linhart Square is a charming open-air museum. The beautiful medieval buildings house museum collections, galleries, restaurants, and craft studios. Adding to its charm is the only preserved town moat in Slovenia.
The old town centre of Ravne was depicted in the 17th century by the polymath Janez Vajkard Valvasor. And even today, you can still find parallels with the former Guštanj market town – old buildings, which have been given a new life, tell the stories of days gone by.
The town centre of Kostanjevica is situated on a river island, which is a unique feature of this medieval town. The main arteries of the town are two of its main streets, Oražnova ulica and Ulica talcev.
Take a walk through the old part of Šentjur, which was voted Slovenia’s most beautiful market town centre in 2015. Šentjur is also the home of the Ipavec House of the famous Slovenian composer family, an ancient lime tree, and a fountain designed by Jože Plečnik.
The town centre of Metlika is the heart of a treasure trove of the region’s cultural heritage. It is made up of three squares, and here you can visit, among other things, the Metlika Castle, the Firefighters’ Museum, the house with the first reading room in the area, and the Bela Krajina House of Delicacies.
Even though today the heart of UNESCO-protected Idrija is Mestni trg (the Town Square), the old part of the town is best reflected in Trg svetega Ahacija (the St. Acacius Square), where mercury ore was discovered in a Baroque fountain. The square also reflects the life of miners, with Anthony’s Shaft nearby.
The old town centre of Kranj, rising above the Korka river canyon, is adorned with old bourgeois houses dating back to the 19th century, the era of the poet France Prešeren, who left an important mark on the town.
The old town centre of Slovenj Gradec is characterised by a mix of medieval design, 19th century buildings, and modern elements, such as the sculpture of the Venetic Horse by Oskar Kogoj.
Walking through romantic streets and alongside clustered houses beneath the mighty Ptuj Castle, the path leads to Mestni trg (the Town Square), the heart of Ptuj. The rectangular square is a popular venue for the town’s traditional fairs and events.
Due to its location on a pier at the narrow turn of two rivers, Črnomelj has always had a distinctive design. The main square in the town centre, Peter’s Square, is the hub of the town’s social and cultural life.
The richly painted churches and building façades reveal the tradition of painting that has brought Škofja Loka the nickname “the colourful Loka”. It was here that famous Slovenian impressionists found inspiration, as well as the craftsmen who gave the town its distinctive character.
The old town of Celje is rich in architectural gems, a varied history, and a lively modern pulse. The heart of the town is Glavni trg (the Main Square), which has been the centre of its social life in the past and remains so even today.
Slovenia’s historic towns tell stories from the past that blend perfectly with the modern urban pulse. Old town centres are still popular social spots today, where you can find cultural centres, restaurants, cafés and galleries.
Welcome to your day trip around town. Even with a short stop in one of Slovenia's historic towns, you will discover many interesting stories. As a reward, help yourself to a culinary dessert.
MoreWelcome to your day trip around town. Even with a short stop in one of Slovenia's historic towns, you will discover many interesting stories. As a reward, help yourself to a culinary dessert.
MoreDiscover 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.
MoreSlovenian 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.
MoreDo you know which dishes are the most well-known and traditional in our historic towns? Take a wander around Slovenian historic towns, and you will find somewhere to eat well, too. Because they know how to blend tradition into contemporary cuisine. Gourmets will find what they are looking for in restaurants, acknowledged by the famous Michelin Guide.
MoreHistoric towns are a treasure trove of cultural and historic heritage. Add to this the contemporary cultural events, which give a lively touch to the town centres. The towns are also connected to each other through the exchange of theatre performances, concerts and exhibitions, which are brought together in the Fest Mest festival all year round.
MoreDiverse cultural influences, a varied landscape and a colourful history give Slovenia a remarkable diversity that is reflected in all areas of life. Each town has its own stories and character worth getting to know. Experience the green country and colourful adventures in your own way.
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