Old town centres – a stroll between the past and the present

Take a stroll through the historic old town centres, where the charming image of historical buildings blends perfectly with the lively modern pulse.

Town streets and squares and their charming spirit of the past

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.

A narrow street with colorful facades leads toward a church with a tall bell tower, warm evening light and light trails from vehicles create a lively atmosphere.

Tržič

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.

Discover the old town of Tržič

A quiet cobbled street leads to a church tower, lined with neat historic buildings under a clear blue sky.

Kamnik

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.

Discover Kamnik

A large animal sculpture stands by a paved riverside path, a person walks toward a town square with a fountain, bright sunlight illuminates the scene.

Slovenske Konjice

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.

Discover the town center of Slovenske Konjice

A coastal old town with dense red rooftops stretches along the blue sea, with a central square surrounded by historic buildings.

Piran

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).

Discover Tartini Square

A wide paved street leads toward a church tower, lined with tidy townhouses, while dark clouds gather overhead.

Novo mesto

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.

Discover the medieval town square

A neat urban area beside a building with a red roof lies at the foot of a hill, with railings and green spaces along the path and wooded slopes rising in the background.

Jesenice

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.

Discover Stara Sava museum area

A tall stone clock tower rises above a town square, beside a Gothic building with arched arcades, under a blue sky.

Koper

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.

Discover Tito Square

A castle with red roofs stands on a hill above a river, houses and a boat line the water and a green landscape surrounds the scene.

Žužemberk

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.

Discover Žužemberk

A wooden bench with a heart-shaped cutout stands on a quiet street, through the opening the old town with narrow streets and a tower is visible.

Brežice

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.

Discover the old town of Brežice

A cobbled town square is surrounded by historic buildings with illuminated facades, the evening dusk and soft lighting create a pleasant atmosphere.

Radovljica

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.

Discover Linhart Square

A view of a town with red rooftops spreads across green hills, trees fill the foreground and forested slopes rise in the background.

Ravne na Koroškem

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.

Discover the town centre

A wooden bridge crosses a calm river toward a settlement with a bell tower, greenery lines the water and hills rise under a clear sky.

Kostanjevica na Krki

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.

Discover Kostanjevica attractions

A stone fountain stands in the foreground of a courtyard in front of an old building entrance, a decorative candle holder is nearby and steps lead up to an arched doorway.

Šentjur

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.

Discover the old part of Šentjur

A view of a town street with red rooftops leads toward a church with a tall bell tower, cars are parked along the road and a blue sky with clouds stretches above.

Metlika

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.

Discover the old town of Metlika

A small square with a fountain stands in front of a white historic building with a red roof, young trees and benches surround the area under a clear blue sky.

Idrija

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.

Discover Idrija

A town street lined with pastel houses leads toward a church tower, shops and terraces line the road and a cyclist rides along the paved path.

Kranj

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.

Discover the old town of Kranj

A neat square leads toward a church with a tall steeple, red-roofed buildings stand nearby and trees and sunlight fill the space.

Slovenj Gradec

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.

Discover the medieval old town of Slovenj Gradec

A view from fortifications reveals an old town with red rooftops beside a river, a defensive wall stands at the edge and the landscape stretches into the distance.

Ptuj

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.

Discover the sights of Ptuj

An aerial view of an old town with red rooftops and a paved square, compact houses cluster together and a green river runs along the edge.

Črnomelj

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.

Discover Črnomelj

A sunlit town square with colorful historic houses and a stone monument at the center, flower-filled balconies line the facades.

Škofja Loka

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.

Discover Škofja Loka

An evening town street with decorated facades leads toward a church tower, flower pots and historic buildings line the way.

Celje

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.

Discover Celje

A person walks along a paved path beside a calm river, with stone flower pots nearby, an old stone bridge and autumn-colored trees in the background, softened by gentle morning mist.

Ribnica

The medieval, fan-shaped town centre of Ribnica enchants visitors with its distinctive architecture, highlighted by Ribnica Castle, the Miklova Hiša Gallery and the Church of St Stephen with its renowned bell towers designed by Plečnik. A walk through the heart of the town reveals a rich tradition of woodenware and pottery, which have shaped the identity of this cultural and trade centre over the centuries.

Discover Ribnica’s cultural heritage

A church with a tall white bell tower stands beside a quiet street, next to it is a historic building marked as a museum and a bright sky with clouds stretches above.

Semič

Above the historic centre of Semič rises the Church of St Stephen, whose former anti-Ottoman fortified enclosure and preserved defensive wall tell the story of the area’s turbulent past in the heart of the Bela krajina region. To learn more about this region, visit the Semič Museum House. Its picturesque setting beneath the slopes of Kočevski Rog, a forested highland plateau, invites visitors to discover the rich viticultural heritage of the Semiška gora mountain and nearby natural attractions, closely intertwined with the calm rhythm of this market town.

Discover the town centre of Semič

An elevated view reveals an old town with red rooftops beside a river, a church with a tower stands at the edge and green hills spread across the surroundings.

Krško

While walking through the old market town of Krško, situated on the right bank of the Sava River, stories of notable local figures such as Janez Mencinger and Janez Vajkard Valvasor come to life. The town’s rich heritage and cultural tradition, as a former Protestant centre, are conveyed through the Town Museum, the Town Park with the Valvasor Library, the Hočevar Mausoleum and the Grove of Distinguished Citizens. This historical atmosphere is interwoven with the town’s contemporary life along the Sava.

Discover the old town of Krško

Plan a perfect trip steeped in history

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.

Day trip around town

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.

Day trip around town

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.

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.

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.

Culinary experiences

Do 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.

A cultural rainbow in historic towns

Historic 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.

Discover the diversity of Slovenia

Diverse 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.

Skip carousel

Architectural sights

Discover Slovenia's greatest architectural treasures.

Arts and Culture

Culture is an expression of human creativity. Slovenia features cities, towns and spaces designed for people. That is why people feel good wherever they are.

Facts about Slovenia

Slovenia: a land of hospitable people and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Europe.

Slovenians for a day – interesting facts, habits, traditions

Learn about the people of Slovenia and their customs and traditions.

The flavours of Slovenia

Do you know the typical flavours of the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain?

Explore the world of Slovenian myths and legends

Discover the most renowned myths and legends of Slovenia.

Regions

In its small corner of the world, Slovenia is the only European country lying at the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain.

Boutique tourism in the city centres

Plan your boutique city break in Slovenia in your own way!

Stories from Slovenia

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive a green piece of Slovenia in your inbox, and learn about holidays, seasonal offers, upcoming events and travel options.

Share with friends

Scroll down until you see the heart icon on the left.

Click on the icon and the content will be added to favourites.

When you revisit the page (in the same browser), the content will still be saved in your favourites.

Back Next

Old town centres – a stroll between the past and the present