Culture

Slovenia is always the place to be

The identity of the Slovenian nation is inseparably connected with its culture and the Slovenian language. Explore the evidence of life in Slovenian lands dating back at least 60,000 years. Tumultuous history will reveal some of the oldest artefacts in the world.

Would you like to understand Slovenians and their identity? Explore in detail the possibilities offered by 100 festivals, over 50 museums and galleries, and about 30 institutions focusing on music and theatre. See the remains of some of the hundreds of castles and manors. You will find it informative and fun.

Festivals

You can enjoy the work of some of the most important creators and performers in the world if you visit arts festivals in Slovenia. However, if you are feeling laid back, check out the special offer: there are festivals devoted to roast potatoes, beer, wine, desserts, lace, chocolate, tolerance, and shopping.

Museums and galleries

Do you have an adventurous spirit? Go on a treasure hunt, and see a 30,000-year-old needle, a 5200-year old wooden wheel with a wooden axis, and venerable golden patches that are more than 3000 years old. If you are not interested in ancient history, take a ride through space.

Music and dancing

You will always hit it off with Slovenians if you join them when they are listening to music or if you dance with them. Don't turn down an invitation to come to a private party, because you will be talking about it for a long time to come. Slovenians love everything: complex symphonies by Gustav Mahler, who also worked in Ljubljana, the up-beat melodies of the Avsenik brothers, the challenging avant-garde experimentation of the band Laibach, or the fierce techno beats of DJ Umek

Film and theatre

Spend summer evenings under the stars in the company of stars: in streets, squares, and parks that transform into outdoor cinemas and theatres. The rich cultural offerings continue throughout the year, with over 200 premieres taking place. One of the most highly anticipated events is the LIFFE Film Festival in November, which changes Ljubljana into an international motion picture hub for two weeks.

Architectural attractions

The look of Slovenian cities and towns has been defined by various periods, dating back to antiquity. Some of the creators include Maks Fabiani, the personal advisor of Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, who also worked with Otto Wagner, and Jože Plečnik, who worked in Vienna, Prague, and in Ljubljana.

Castles

Slovenia is rich in castles, manors, fortresses, and fortification systems. These were built in various periods during the medieval, renaissance, and baroque eras, and the first traces of their construction date all the way back to antiquity. Time got the better of many of them, but dozens now perform interesting functions.

Churches, convents, and monasteries

There are almost no villages or hills in Slovenia without a church, and the country is also full of convents, monasteries, and roadside shrines. For an authentic experience, join a pilgrimage to the Mary Help of Christians Church in Brezje, ring the bell of wishes on Bled Island, and try the pear brandy from the Pleterje Monastery.