Things to see and do Brežice

The regional museum is housed in the Renaissance castle of Brežice. Originally a fortress designed to resist Turkish attackers, the castle became a palace in the Baroque period. Its frescoed hall, the largest in the country, is a masterpiece. The painter is said to have painted himself. The chapel and staircase are also painted. Scenes from Greek and Roman mythology abound. Classical music concerts are held here in summer.

The museum boasts an interesting archaeological collection, including a number of skeletons, such as that of an Illyrian soldier (500 B.C.) found in his tomb, complete with equipment and horse harness ornaments. In Dobova, 420 graves have been identified. In Roman times, Drnovo, near Brežice, was an important Roman settlement (4,000 inhabitants).

In the ethnological section, visitors can discover the life of the people of Posavje and their style of dress, thanks to the furniture, pottery and glass paintings on display. One room is devoted to viticulture. In the middle stands a klapotec, used to ward off birds. More recent history, too, is recounted at length through the deeds of the resistance. The museum also boasts the first translation of the Bible into Slovene by Jury Dalmatin in 1584, and a sledge belonging to Empress Maria Theresa. One room is dedicated to the work of Franjo Stiplovšek, who launched the museum in 1949.

Ajdovska Cave is an ancient prehistoric site where archaeologists have found many objects of daily life dating back to the Bronze Age. It allowed its inhabitants to protect themselves from external dangers. The cave has undergone several human occupations over the centuries, serving as a food reserve during periods of famine or harsh winters. It continues to provide essential shelter for the large local bat population.

Dating from the 15th century, the castle belonging to the winegrowing family Klakočar is on a hillock and hardly visible from the car park. The styles are mixed: Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. The old chapel and its two angels whose legs hang from the ceiling in a rather comical way, as well as the cellar for wine tasting, are accessible. The castle has been given a new lease of life after years of work. Countless views of the region.