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From ancient villas to a crystal palace
Slovenian towns first received their urban appearance two millennia ago as the ancient Romans arrived. In medieval times, these towns spread and changed, and much evidence of this can still be found if you explore the old town centres. Technical innovations enabled the construction of the Ljubljana Nebotičnik which was the tallest building in Central Europe in 1933. After World War II, public spaces were transformed by numerous modern buildings, new settlements and towns, and the 21st century brought about architectural forms that sometimes dominate the function.
Fairytale castles of Slovenia
The sights of mighty castles and manor houses will enchant every traveller exploring Slovenia. Some of them keep watch over the towns while others stand in solitary splendour on the top of green hills. You may be fascinated by the oldest Slovenian castle rising over the picturesque alpine lake or by the largest cave castle in the world. Some castles have even been converted into comfortable hotels where you can stay overnight. Many castles are only evidenced by their ruins, further unleashing people’s imagination.
Experience the 'spirit of the era' in Slovenian historical towns
Stroll through old historical towns and discover the traces of the past from ancient times and the Middle Ages to the middle-class architecture of the 19th century. Ancient streets and squares, impressive medieval buildings, castles and city walls inspire the imagination of every visitor. The charm of old town houses repurposed into museums, galleries, boutique shops and hotels is always appealing.
Why are there so many churches, chapels and monasteries in Slovenia?
There is almost no village or hill in Slovenia that does not have a church or at least a chapel. Some hide special stories and treasures well worth uncovering. The monasteries of Slovenia keep their own secrets. In Slovenia, you can also find the tomb of the last King of France and the third oldest pharmacy in Europe.
Experience Slovenian churches and monasteries in your own way
Take on the role of explorer and discover the amazing stories behind the churches and monasteries that will impress you with their architecture or paintings, or with the mysteries hidden behind their walls. Today, some of the former monastery buildings have been repurposed into galleries, museums and centres of vibrant cultural events.
Modern and majestic
Are you fascinated more by ancient buildings than by modern architectural masterpieces? Excellent Slovenian architects have left their mark on Slovenia and beyond. Take your time strolling through the streets of Ljubljana to learn about the masterpieces of Jože Plečnik, the incredible works of Maks Fabiani who was the personal adviser to the Austro-Hungarian crown prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the prominent architectural names of the post-war era and contemporary architectural achievements.
Images of the Slovenian landscape
Every Slovenian landscape features its own peculiarities of folk architecture, which you can find in preserved old houses and homesteads, mostly repurposed into museums, or in heritage-protected villages. Learn about hayracks, a special feature of Slovenia, and visit a unique herdsmen’s settlement.
Šentrupert, the land of hayracks
Šentrupert, the land of hayracks
Enter a unique open-air museum where you can become familiar with the special architectural feature of Slovenia – hayracks. Farmers used them for drying hay and crops. Like houses, hayracks differ from one region to the next.
MoreŠtanjel
Štanjel
Visit this idyllic Karst village and become acquainted with typical karst architecture intertwined with the architectural ideas of the famous architect Maks Fabiani.
MoreHerdsmen’s settlement on Velika Planina
Herdsmen’s settlement on Velika Planina
Go for a walk through the charming huts of the largest herdsmen's settlement in Europe. In the summer, herdsmen still live in some of them and produce trnič – a special kind of cheese characteristic of the Velika Planina area. Learn about the herdsmen's traditions showcased at the Preskar Museum and spend a night in a hut.
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Cities of culture
Why visit just one town or city? In Slovenia, visitors only need a brief time to experience a number of adventures in various towns. Look through this catalogue of historical cities and towns, pick a place and go for a visit!
Share your impressions with the world
View @FeelSlovenia on Instagram and show the world what you feel about the Slovenian architectural heritage by posting photos and videos with hashtags #ifeelsLOVEnia & #myway.
