Tourist Attractions & Monuments Slovenia

In Gothic style, the Church of St. Nicholas Chapter has a surprisingly broken longitudinal axis due to numerous modifications. Some altars are decorated with works by Valentin Metzinger (1699-1759). The jewel of the city, a Saint Nicholas by the Venetian master Le Tintoretto (1518-1594), is in the choir. The chapter is also worth a look. Created in 1493, it was renovated until 1623 after a fire in 1576. The crypt can be visited.

This Gothic church was built by the Franciscans in the ^15th century. Ravaged by fire in 1664, it underwent its final alterations in 1965. A number of tombstones of lords and knights, as well as that of Matija Kastelic, local canon and writer, mark its history. The monastery, built around 1480, contains 1,200 books, incunabula and paintings by Valentin Metzinger. Still in use, the monastery is often closed to the public. If you're lucky, you'll be able to visit the bookshop.

It dominates the city from the heights and dates from 1630, and this church is only rarely open. It has works by Valentin Metzinger, the greatest Slovenian Baroque painter, originally from Lorraine in eastern France. Beyond its aesthetics, the popular legend also attracts locals and the curious. It is said that a shepherdess found her flock in adoration before an icon of the Holy Trinity and that it was after this episode that the village priest decided to take this sign from Heaven into consideration.

There are places you have to have seen. The Church of the Holy Trinity is one of them! The church is a real fortress with its wall and corner towers to resist the Turkish attacker in the 16th century. Built with cut stone blocks, its architecture is truly the fruit of this Istrian land. Its origin dates back to the 12th century. Inside, the three naves ending in an apse are entirely covered with frescoes. This Biblia pauperum (Bible of the poor), tells the seven days of Creation, Adam and Eve, Abel and Cain, the apostles, the Holy Trinity, the Magi, the Passion of Christ, the coronation of the Virgin, the saints, the prophets, but also the daily life with the months of the calendar and their work (sowing, hunting, fishing, wine making, bread, cheese...). All these subjects uniting the sacred with the profane expose the order of the Middle Ages when we had an answer to everything: nothing remains unexplained, just as in the church, there is not a wall that is not painted. And in the middle is the Dance of Death. An infrequent subject that shows the equality of all men in the face of death. It takes by the hand and leads an emperor, a king, a queen, a nun, a bishop, a monk, a nobleman, a merchant, a bourgeois, a beggar and even a child. This fresco expresses the one and only equality of men that is only revealed in the tomb. A must-see that is worth the trip!

The oldest monastery in the country (1132) was founded by the Patriarch of Aquileia Peregrin. Thirty years after the foundation of the Cistercian order, the monks arrive at Stična with the builder Michel Cementarius. In the 15th century, the Turkish invasions caused major damage. The abbey is in full bloom 2 centuries later. At the end of the 18th century, the order was dissolved by Joseph II and monastic life did not begin again until 1898.

The abbey church with three naves, baroque, retains its Romanesque origins with narrow windows in a double row. Among the beautiful pieces: the funerary monument (1623) of Abbot Jakob Reinprecht, the organ case (1747) and the Stations of the Cross, the fourteen stations of which are the work of Fortunat Bergant (1766). To the south, stop at the beauty of the decorative figures to admire the 14th century frescoes: allegories of the Four Winds and the Four Virtues, patriarchs and prophets in the vaults of the cloister. The refectory with its pink ceiling, decorated with stuccoes, is worth a look. The library no longer holds 12th century books, which are now placed in the National and University Library in Ljubljana.

In the 16th century, the abbey was extended by a two-storey building. The vestibule of the triple barrel vault is decorated with plant, floral, berry and bird motifs. This wing is called Neff Abbey, after its abbot. The south side was closed in the 18th century to form a baroque courtyard. A double staircase leads to the finely decorated late 18th century room known as the Abbot's chapel. On the north side, the courtyard is closed by the former prelacy which welcomed, among its guests, the horsemen. The tower used to mark the main entrance. The vestibule is decorated with stuccoes (1620) of great beauty representing the Fathers of the Church and the Last Judgement. The courtyard and its surroundings have been renovated. Take a tour of the exterior of this vast ensemble to appreciate its importance.

In the religious museum opened in 1985, there are many relics such as objects of worship, furniture, statues. They allow us to come into close contact with the work of missionary Friderik Baraga, a native of Trebnje who travelled to North America in the 19th century to evangelize the Chippewa Indians. The guide to the monastery exists in French and can be essential for a better understanding of the different historical and religious issues.

This castle, mentioned since 1296, is one of the best preserved in the country. Romantic elements, such as the towers, were introduced into the architecture in the 19th century. Two rooms are decorated in exotic, Turkish and Egyptian styles. Only the exterior is really worth seeing. In front of the current entrance gate, you can see the old drawbridge, the moat is still present, the walls make you think of a real fortress, the white of the building mitigates this impression. The surrounding forest makes you believe in fairy tales. Really photogenic place.

Built in the 19th century. Observe the two bell towers. You can guess who is the author if you have followed the footsteps of the architect Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana. This church is really the only architectural interest in Ribnica. She brings a remarkable little touch to the town, contributing greatly to its attractiveness. In front of the church, a plaque reminds that France Prešeren studied in this building (then a school) between 1810 and 1812.

This large medieval castle, itself built on the foundations of a prehistoric fort,stands on the left before arriving at Branik from Sežana, on the foothills of a panoramic hill. Built in the 13th century, it is the oldest and largest of the Primorska castles. It was once owned by the Habsburgs. One of the towers also contains a large colony of bats. Abandoned since the middle of the 20th century, its renovation is currently being completed and it is possible to visit it on weekends in spring and summer.

This former Cistercian monastery was founded in 1234 by Duke Spanheim. Two painted towers mark the entrance. The three-storey arcaded courtyard is one of the most imposing in Central Europe. The monastery was dissolved in 1785 and the building became an administrative centre until its destruction in 1942. The Church of the Virgin Mary is the oldest part of this vast complex. There is a strange atmosphere with these contemporary works facing the whiteness of the walls. In the courtyard stand three lime trees symbolizing the SHS (Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, the three members of the kingdom after 1918). The gallery gathers engravings, pastels, oils by Jakac and other Slovenian artists such as France Kralj (1895-1960), Tone Kralj (1900-1975), Joze Gorjup (1907-1932). Pleterje's collection includes paintings by French, Italian and Flemish masters of the 17th and 18th centuries. These works come from the former Cistercian monastery of Bosserville in France. When it was abandoned, they were passed on to the monastery of Pleterje. The sculptures on display in the monastery park are the work of artists from Symposium Viva. The church, the magnificent courtyard with arcades, sculptures and paintings of the old masters contribute to create a surrealist atmosphere. The visit is a must in this fascinating place with a great variety of shapes, the alternation of the brick, the whiteness of the façades and the flowers that in the summer months marry the arcades and galleries.

The church was built from 1641 to 1671. The three altars are laden with gilding and his pulpit is carved. The church has served as a model for many others. With its arcades, slender dome, immaculate colour and rich interior, Nova Štifta remains a first-class achievement. A majestic lime tree planted in 1641 stands nearby. A small octagonal hut nestles in it. A small haven of peace in a very well preserved setting.

Established in the village of Rožanec, 4 km north of Črnomelj, it is one of the most interesting archaeological monuments in the region. There is a bas-relief of Mithras depicting his sacrifice of a bull. The work would probably date from the end of the 2nd century. Nestled in the rock face, it seems to have found here its refuge for eternity. Actually, it wasn't that far from the ancient Roman road..

Bogenšperk is a Renaissance castle, first mentioned in 1533, where historian Valvasor lived and worked. In his office, the intellectual worked for some twenty years on his gigantic work Die Ehre des Herzogsthums Crain (The Honour of the Duchy of Carniola), a veritable historical and geographical encyclopaedia, published in Nuremberg in 1689. The castle was restored in 1972. Beautiful collection of engravings, geodetic instruments and an ethnographic collection from the time of Valvasor.

The monastery, which is still active, is occupied by the Carthusian monks whose order was founded by Saint Bruno in 1084 in the Grande-Chartreuse massif and follows the rule of Saint Benedict. The monks will not be visible and you will not have access to the premises, except for the Gothic church and the reception with its souvenir sale. Pleterje is however worth a visit for the quietness of the site. The high walls that defend the site from any intrusion over 2.6 km contribute to its mystery. Pleterje was founded in 1407 by Count Hermann II of Celje. The first monks came from the monastery of Žice, the first Carthusian monastery built in 1160 on Slovenian soil near Slovenske Konjice. Pleterje, ravaged by the Turks in 1471, was solidly rebuilt with a wall, seven towers and a moat. A real fortress. From the 16th to the 18th century it was occupied by the Jesuits of Ljubljana. It was only in 1899 that the old order settled there again, thanks to the religious coming from France. The buildings are transformed at the same time according to the plans of the architect Jean-François Pichat. The Church of the Holy Trinity is a fine example of Carthusian Gothic. The tympanum is decorated with the Coronation of the Virgin. On the façade of the building, a plaque commemorates the memory of Joseph Ressel, former forest steward of the order, who invented the boat propeller. His first attempts are said to have taken place on the small pond of the monastery. Ressel continues his tests on the Krka with a boat equipped with a propeller.

Parish church where most of the services celebrated in the city are held. Its first major renovation dates back to 1495. It can be seen from afar in its Gothic structure, reconstructed in the 19th century. Inside, you will find the paws of Slovenian artists of the time: the black marble altar, which may surprise you, is signed Ludovic Bombassi from Ljubljana. The vault of the central nave is a pure masterpiece with its star-studded ceiling.

The origin is very old since a building already existed at the end of the 15th century to protect against the Ottoman invader. It was first destroyed by the untimely assaults of Napoleon's troops at the very beginning of the 19th century. Its present appearance dates back to 1883, following its first reconstruction. The upper part was heavily damaged during the First World War. The ensemble is impressive and the interior well transformed into a museum.

The Church of the Annunciation (13th century) has undergone various transformations. It has many 15th century frescoes. Outside, a Passion of Christ (14th century) and a Saint Christopher (1464). Note: a 17th century bell and a neo-Gothic porch from the 19th century. The ensemble is truly prodigious and is one of the most charming little churches in the region. Crngrob was once an important pilgrimage site and the nave's capacity has been constantly increased over the centuries.

The hotel is a state-owned property that provides accommodation for the world's leading figures during their official visits to Slovenia. The whole beautiful estate, with its pleasant park and ponds, was in the hands of the aristocratic Zois family for a century and a half. The Yugoslav royal family (1930s) and Marshal Tito fell in love with this Renaissance castle. Even today, it is the privileged place for international diplomatic meetings. There is a walking path around it, accessible by bicycle or pedestrian for a total distance of 10 km.

The church is dedicated to St. Ulrich, Bishop of Augsburg in the 10th century. Scenes depict the patron saint as well as St. Corbinian, known for his evangelization campaigns in the 8th century. Built at the beginning of the 1500s, it is full of frescoes from the same period in very good state of conservation and asserts its late Gothic style. On the vault of the choir are angel musicians. For the visit, ask at the gostilna Pri Boštjanu.

The paintings are from the Venetian school. The ruins of a 16th-century castle, once the estate of the Coronini family and then of the Attems family, remain today. Some facts have marked the history of the village such as the visit of Pope Pius VI in 1782 during his trip to Vienna. To the east, don't miss the Church of the Holy Cross. It houses an altar from 1515. The tower is one of the four ancient defensive towers erected in the 15th century to guard against the Turkish assailant. From these heights, the King of Italy observed the Battle of the Soča in 1917.

One of the most beautiful examples of Slovenian Gothic. The original church dates from the 13th century. Many changes were made in the following centuries. The three-nave hall choir was designed between 1521 and 1532 by Master Jurko of Škofja Loka. Sveta Nadelja (Holy Sunday) adorns the facade near the entrance. This representation is the work of John of Ljubljana (1460); it depicts the holy day of the good Christian. Many frescos. The church has the largest golden altar in Slovenia, designed by Jurij Karnos (1652).

In the small village of Suha, in the middle of nature, we find this church built in the first half of the 15th century. Its peculiarity: it has preserved magnificent medieval frescoes painted on the vault of the choir and the apse, representing the life of Christ, the apostles and the angels. They are classified as national heritage. The baroque altar, dating from 1672, is also of great beauty. Nice scenic stage which is worth the (short!) trip.

The castle is visible from afar, dominating the course of the Drava, and dates back to the ^13th century. Over the course of its long history, it has changed ownership many times: for example, at the end of the ^15th century, it belonged to the King of Hungary. After being burnt down in 1706, it was rebuilt, which explains its Baroque appearance. Until the ^mid-19th century, the castle was the seat of the provincial jurisdiction, and the gallows were not far away. After several years of restoration by the Cultural Association, it reopened in 2022.

This gigantic cemetery is established in the district of Bezigrad. Some 150,000 people have been buried here since its inauguration in 1906. In addition to these impressive figures, the cemetery is visited for its fourteen chapels dedicated to the patron saints and its monumental colonnaded entrance designed by Jože Plečnik. He is buried here, as are several other local personalities such as Ivan Cankar and Oton Župančič. The Ravnikar ossuary is also imposing and is home to more than 5,000 victims of the Great War.

Affected by the earthquake of 1511, the castle has a Lutheran chapel where Jurij Dalmatin, author of the first Slovenian Bible, preached. In 1575, Herbert von Auersperg lost his life to the Turks at the battle of Budačko. He is beheaded and the inhabitants of Turjak decide to redeem the head of their lord. The huge sum of money spent allows the invader to build a mosque in Bosnia. Until 1943, this head was kept as a relic in the castle.

Thanks to a marked path, you will find this natural heritage site. Indeed, the Peričnik waterfall, due to the power of its water, has often been the subject of discussions about using it to generate electricity, so any plans to exploit it were scuttled. Ideally, it is best to observe it after heavy rains, at the height of its splendour. You can take the small pebble path behind the waterfall to disappear behind it.

7 km from the centre of Celje you will find a large oasis called Šmartinsko jezero. This lake is a meeting point of recreation, sports and water fun for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The lake is surrounded by a well-maintained walking and cycling path. The car park opposite the Panorama café in the hamlet of Runtole is the best place to park as the access road leads through a hilly coniferous forest. From the café, you will have a breathtaking view of the lake. The biggest carp caught was 34.6 kg!

Valentin Vodnik turns his back on the flavors of this world in the square where the market stalls of fruit and vegetables stand. The statue erected by Alojz Gangl faced the high school, a former Franciscan monastery demolished after an earthquake. To the east of the square, at no. 10, the former hotel has seen some of the world's finest pass through its doors. Don Carlos, pretender to the Spanish throne, was born here in 1848. Serbian Prince Miloš Obrenovič and Field Marshal Radetzky also stayed here.

But where to photograph the famous emblem of Ljubljana, represented on all the souvenirs that are sold there? Direction Zmajski most, the Dragon Bridge, which was one of the first on the continent to be built in reinforced concrete. The dragons were created by Jurij Zaninovič, a student of the Viennese architect Otto Wagner (1841-1918), Plečnik's master. The symbolism of the dragon gradually changed from a monster to a protector of the city, embodying power, courage and wisdom, it also appears on the city's coat of arms.

The central stone bridge of the Triple Bridge dates back to 1842, when it replaced the old medieval wooden bridge that was destined to be demolished due to increased traffic. Between 1929 and 1931, the well-known Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik drew up plans for two adjacent pedestrian bridges, which gave the city of Ljubljana a Venetian character and a unique architectural feature. This is a must-see photo point.

All around Prešeren Square merge past and genius. Baroque, Art Nouveau and Secessionist, Plečnik's spirit above the waters of the Ljubljanica River dot this architectural chessboard. Maks Fabiani designed Prešeren Square, as evidenced by the two beautiful early 20th century buildings, Ura and Centromerkur. The soul of the city permeates the space with all its magic. The castle is just a glance away. Today, the square is a meeting place for young people and a must for many onlookers.

Prešeren Monument. The Slovenian poet France Prešeren (1800-1849), a national hero, was immortalized by Ivan Zajec. Scandal at the inauguration of the former Mary's Square in 1905, the naked muse made some intellectuals and clergymen turn their heads. Criticism was rife..

The magnificent Ura building (or Hauptmann house), west of the square, survived the earthquake of 1895 and was significantly redesigned by the architect Ciril Metod Koch, who together with Maks Fabiani introduced the Vienna Secession to Slovenia.

Built between 1646 and 1660, the church of the Annunciation, formerly Augustinian, belongs to the Franciscans. The high altar is by Francesco Robba. The monastery, which occupies the west wing, has a library containing 55,000 books, including a number of incunabula.

To the right of the church, Miklošičeva Cesta leads to the bus and train stations. It runs parallel to Slovenska Cesta, the city's main thoroughfare, formerly Titova Cesta.

The Centromerkur building (now Galerija Emporium), to the right of the church, was the city's first department store (1903). The Roman god of commerce Mercury, dominating the store, coexists with the romantic poet. Inside, two remarkable Art Nouveau staircases, a beautiful expression of this artistic movement which drew its inspiration from plant forms, are to be discovered.

At no. 5 of the square stands the neo-Renaissance palace of the Central Pharmacy, or Mayer palace (Mayerjeva palača).

At No. 6 Wolfova Ulica, a street west of the square, the silhouette of Julija Primic emerges from a false window frame. Prešeren's great love lived in this house and their eyes now meet for eternity.

Bordering the south side of the square, the Triple Bridge (Tromostovje), the work of the unmistakable Jože Plečnik, provides access to the old town.

The artificial lake of Ptuj was created by the dam designed to generate hydropower from the Drava River. It is the largest lake in Slovenia (346 ha) which in summer allows you to kayak on 9 km long, to rent small sailing boats, scooters on the water, to relax on the beach, to fish too... A beautiful promenade has been built all around this stretch of water. Many enthusiasts meet here to observe the avian biodiversity with its lot of cormorants, terns and gulls.

The Vipava Valley is a short hour's drive from Ljubljana. It has a rich cultural heritage, offering many leisure activities (hiking, climbing, biking, paragliding, fishing, horseback riding...), excellent wines and delicious gastronomy. Throughout the year, you can follow a hiking trail that takes you through vineyards, orchards, meadows and fields. The local gastronomy is unique in its flavors, without compromising in its authenticity. You should visit the tourist farms and wine cellars.

This is the town's museum of contemporary art, with a permanent collection of no fewer than 830 works on display, including paintings, sculptures, graphics, drawings and artistic photographs by the Pomurje region and other artists from all over Slovenia. Various temporary exhibitions are organized throughout the year, with guided tours available for the more curious. A low-cost way to discover ^twentieth- and ^{twenty-first-century} art, or to escape rainy weather.