Historic towns and old town centres of Slovenia

Discover the towns of culture!

Pore over a map of Slovenia and make a list of towns you want to visit. You can get to many of them by train or even by bike. Connect them into a network of extraordinary experiences!

Brežice – At the confluence of the Sava and the Krka rivers

The architectural features of the centre of Brežice, a town first mentioned in 1249, make a great venue for various events. The mighty castle, now housing the Posavje Museum, invites visitors to learn about the Posavje hills and plains, while the town's streets tell the stories of its crafts- and tradespeople. The evidence of town's progressive nature is the water tower built in 1914 as part of the town's water supply system. The first electric power plant was built next to the tower. Nearby is the confluence of the rivers Sava and Krka and renowned thermal spas are also not far.

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Celje – The Princes' Town

The romantic streets in the old city centre, green nooks for secret conversations in the city park, magnificent architecture reflecting the diversity of the past and the future whose links are revealed in museums, galleries, the theatre and more. All this awaits you in the city centre. The diversity of experiences in a small area is what gives Celje, the Princes' Town, its special charm. Everything is just a few steps away in Celje.

Get to know Celje

Črnomelj – Town life from Antiquity to the present day

The town's name, Črnomelj, literally means ‘black mill’ in Slovenian. According to legend, it comes from a tale about a miller who tried to deceive a good fairy disguised as an old woman. Instead of grinding white flour as she asked, he gave her black flour – and was punished for his dishonesty. However, Črnomelj is not famous solely for its name, but also for the town’s layout in the shape of a star, connecting roads from Ljubljana, Novo mesto, Zagreb and Rijeka. This natural pier between the Lahinja and Dobličica rivers holds 3,000 years of history. During the times of the Ottoman invasions, a canal was dug to turn it into a river island, preventing the Turks from conquering the settlement despite sieges. The tourist information centre will gladly arrange a walk around the town, organise a creative workshop with Easter egg decorators and linen makers from Bela krajina, or recommend good places to eat or interesting events in the region.

Discover more about Črnomelj

Idrija – UNESCO heritage pearl

The mercury from the Earth's underground, the lace from the lacemaking pillows, žlikrofi dumplings from home kitchens – Idrija is a town of outstanding cultural heritage. The oldest Slovenian mining town is known for the world's second largest mercury mine, which already centuries ago attracted explorers and travellers from all over Europe and left the town with unique technical heritage monuments related to water and other special features of the area.

Visit Idrija

Jesenice – A town of steel and flowers

Visit Stara Sava in Jesenice, where the main elements of the ironmaking settlement are still preserved: the manor, church, workers' flats, blast furnace with its auxiliary plants, millrace and mill. The built heritage forms an integrated area dedicated to museum, cultural and tourist activities. The renovated square is developing into a new social events centre and a place to meet with friends. A town were time comes to a halt...

Explore Jesenice

Kamnik – A town nestled among mountains

A great variety of flavours, homeliness, relaxation, nature, history and adventure – these are the things visitors can experience in Kamnik, a town in the heart of the Kamnik Alps. In the Middle Ages Kamnik was already a flourishing trading town. Its architectural and religious heritage still reminds us of the time when Kamnik was the capital of Carniola. The Kamniška Bistrica River gave life to the stone, which provided strength, safety and refuge to the town over centuries. The river is still the town's link to nature and the mountains. Kamnik's inhabitants like living there and visitors like to come back to the heart of the mountains.

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Koper – A sunny city

This Mediterranean city surrounded by sea and mountains shows its rich millennia-old history at every turn. A walk around the old city centre is a walk through a sunlit history. The mysterious Koper countryside in the Land of Refosco offers a unique range of culinary delicacies and wines. Real Istrian delights can be enjoyed at many traditional events. The sunny present also provides opportunities for new seaside experiences.

Discover Koper

Kostanjevica na Krki – The smallest town for the greatest experiences

Where the lowland Krakovo Forest slowly climbs up the green Gorjanci mountain range lies Kostanjevica na Krki, the smallest and one of the oldest Slovenian towns. It is also the only one built on an island. Every person is bound to find something for themselves here, whether enjoying the sight of the lazy Krka River, walking through the old town centre, viewing the art collections or studying the local natural and cultural heritage.

Get to know Kostanjevica na Krki

Kranj – The cultural heart of Slovenia

Kranj boasts 6000 years of history and rich culture. Behind the wall lies a city full of art and architectural design. We must also not forget fresh creativity. In the city centre, welcoming tradespeople offer locally produced organic food, craft products and artworks. The charming historic city invites you to discover its attractions. In the protected city centre, you can relax and enjoy many events and culinary delicacies in a welcoming atmosphere. Here, the traditional is lovingly combined with modern.

Want to know more about Kranj?

Metlika – It's best to come and see

The region of Metlika Municipality is a land of many faces. Due to its remoteness, it remains mysterious, pristine and clean. Its diverse landscape is full of magical places, perfect for relaxation and fun. Although geographically remote, Metlika was already a trailblazer in many areas a century ago. Today, it still boasts traditional cultural practices, culinary specialities and events not found in many a developed and wealthy place.

Get to know Metlika

Novo mesto – A city of situlae

Novo mesto is proud of its cultural heritage extending over a very long period, evidenced by the incredible archaeological finds and the sights of the old town centre. The story of Novo mesto has always been shaped by its connection to nature. Unforgettable discoveries await you in Novo mesto: from the idyllic Otočec Castle in the middle of the Krka River and Trška gora with its vineyards and vineyard cottages to the green slopes of Gorjanci mountain range.

Discover Novo mesto

Piran – Tartini's town

This Mediterranean pearl is a really special town. Violins and other instruments can still be heard at various concerts and festivals held in the Guiseppe Tartini's birthplace, the music spreading through the narrow medieval streets, uphill between the crammed houses. Piran is a monument of diverse architecture of the past millennia. The town's squares are places of social gatherings pulsing in the rhythm of the sea.

Let yourself be charmed by Piran

Ptuj – Old city, new experiences

The city on the Drava River is a natural meeting point of winegrowing hills and vast fields of north-eastern Slovenia. People have been settled here continuously since the Roman times. Ptuj is one of the oldest towns far and wide, its statute dating from 1376. The protected medieval town centre holds the stories of the past in its churches and monasteries, vaulted wine cellars and castle halls. The city's mystique is maintained by Kurents who chase away everything evil.

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Radovljica – Chocolate and honey

In the Alps, between Jelovica and the Karavanke mountain range, on the terraces above the confluence of the Sava Bohinjka and Sava Dolinka rivers, a town has been standing since the 14th century, boasting unique medieval houses decorated with frescoes. Behind the wall and the only preserved moat in Slovenia, you will find the town's attractions, castle park, museums and galleries and the town square, where many festivals and other events are held. Radovljica is also the centre of Slovenian beekeeping. Bled, the famous tourist site with its picturesque lake, island with a church and the castle standing on the mighty cliff, is a mere seven kilometres from Radovljica.

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Ravne na Koroškem – The heart of Koroška

The largest town in the Koroška region, a town of ironworkers, sport, forma viva iron sculptures and rich literature. Its cultural growth is reflected in the vast collection of the Central Library of Koroška, its ironworking history in the interesting museum collection. The cottage of Prežihov Voranc on Preški Vrh above Kotlje is a memorial museum dedicated to the writer Lovro Kuhar who penned under the pseudonym Prežihov Voranc. The town's attractions include Lake Ivarčko, a water paradise under the mighty Uršlja gora, a modern sports centre in the middle of the town and the technical heritage on the site of the old ironworks.

Get to know Ravne na Koroškem

Ribnica – A little woodenware making town

Ribnica is a charming little town renowned for its rich craft heritage. It offers visitors a unique mixture of cultural history, medieval attractions and art, which makes it an attractive destination for those who like to explore Slovenian historic and creative traditions.

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Semič – Among vineyards and birches

Hidden in the heart of Bela krajina, Semič weaves a rich tapestry of history, culture and natural beauty. The view of the town surrounded by green hills and vineyards is marked by the Parish Church of St Stephen, while narrow streets and rural paths lead you to the Krupa River, a hidden gem of pristine nature.

Taking a trip to Semič?

Slovenj Gradec – A herald of peace

This ancient city standing in the basin between Pohorje and Uršlja gora is a Slovenian synonym for a cultural centre where the rich heritage intertwines with the modern vibe. Walking through the city and its centre, you will feel the venerable urban tradition. The city has been granted the highest award by the Tourist Association of Slovenia "My Country – Beautiful and Hospitable" for many years. The vibrant cultural pulse will be complemented by the countryside's pristine nature and culinary specialities to satisfy your senses in any season.

Discover Slovenj Gradec

Slovenjske Konjice – The town of noble stories

The town with the picturesque layout of a medieval market town lies between the mysterious Konjiška gora and the golden sunny hills of winegrowing Škalc. It is an example of friendliness and neatness. Slovenske Konjice is praised as the most beautiful town for day trips in Slovenia. The town also received two golden awards (in 1998 and 2014) of the Entente Florale Europe competition, thus joining the group of the best managed European towns. Experience Slovenske Konjice. The feeling of tradition, homeliness and friendliness will stay with you long after you leave.

More about Slovenske Konjice

Šentjur – A song about the southern railway

This town, embraced by forests, gentle hills and ponds, is famous for the music of the Ipavec family. The rhythm of their music was perhaps complemented by the clickety-clack of trains, which first passed through the town as early as 1846. The town at the foot of Rifnik Hill invits you with beautiful nature in the surrounding area, the opportunities for outdoor adventures and the hospitality of the locals. The area has been continuously settled since the end of the Late Stone Age and was the site of one of the largest Late Antiquity settlements in Slovenia.

Let Šentjur enchant you

Škofja Loka – The city of the Passion

The best-preserved medieval town with guild tradition and a black man in its coat of arms inspires with many a story. Every seven years, the town at the foot of Loka Castle becomes the stage of the Passion Play performance based on the oldest preserved drama text in the Slovene language about the suffering and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The variety of events and authentic Škofja Loka cuisine bring to the town curious people from near and far.

What to do in Škofja Loka?

Tržič – The dragon's town of the skilful and enterprising

As there has been a lot of traffic here since the Roman times, Tržič people became excellent and very enterprising ironworkers, wheelwrights, textile and leather workers, and in particular shoemakers. The town's famous crafts and trades history is presented in the Tržič Museum and at the Šuštarska nedelja (Shoemakers Sunday) event. Today, Tržič is a nice old town, protected as a cultural monument. It is a good place to stop and listen to its countless stories.

Get to know Tržič

Žužemberk – The cradle of heroes

The main medieval market town with the mighty Žužemberk Castle on the cliff above the Krka River. In 1560, monk Jahannes Faitanus described the castle's historic role and strategic importance in his poem Seisenbergensis Tumultus. "In the heart of Iliria, a castle rises above a deep gorge, a mighty fortress, defying and defending against any weapon. A place tamed by the Auersperg family..." See for yourself that time runs differently here.

What to do in Žužemberk