Slovenia Sights

Slovenia - one of the smallest countries in Europe, but the diversity of its nature and rich history make the country one of the most interesting tourist areas of the Balkans. Ski resorts Julian Alps adjoin the sea coast of the Adriatic, balneology resorts in Dolenske Toplice, Rogaška, Slatina, Strunyane, Portoroz, Čatež and others alternate with color-preserved medieval town of Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje, etc., and picturesque mountain valleys, wild rivers , clear lakes, fantastic waterfalls and numerous caves (more than 6 thousand), many of which are recognized as world heritage by UNESCO - a real paradise for lovers of active leisure.

Ljubljana, built on the ruins of the Roman fortress of Emona, has a long and rich history. Center city is situated on a high hill of Ljubljana, Ljubljana Castle and Cathedral, the former residence of local feudal lords. Old Town Square, located at the Church of St. James is surrounded by medieval buildings - the Palace Schweiger, the Pillar of Our Lady (XII century.), Etc. Noteworthy is the surrounding hills of the old town with narrow streets, many small bars, cafes and shops, as well as the famous " three bridges, one of which leads to the Town Hall (1718) with a fountain "Narcissus" (1751) in the Baroque and two open courtyards. One of the most beautiful squares - Preshern Trg (1905), which are concentrated around the Church of the Annunciation (1646-1660 gg.) With a unique library, the ensemble of street Miklashevich, the only sample of gardening art in the country - Park Mikloshicha, as well as the magnificent Cathedral of St . Nicholas (XVIII cent.). Interesting Bishop's Palace, the Seminary Church with frescoes by Giulio Kalio (1721), St. James Church (1615) with octagonal chapel of St. Francis (1660), the Church of St. Cyril and Methodius, the palace Lontovzh in New Square (now here is the Academy of Arts and Sciences), the building of the National and University Library, a former monastery in the XIII. and now the theater under the open sky - Krizhanke, place of birth of an independent Slovenia - Area of Congress to the building of the Philharmonic, the parish church of the Holy Trinity ( 1726), as well as Cankar house, the Palace of Congresses and the vast cultural center at the Republic Square. In the western part of town is a picturesque park Tivoli with the castle and Art Gallery, and on the east bank of the river - the City Museum, which has a large collection of ancient Roman art. Interest is also the State Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery, City Gallery and Contemporary Art Gallery, Slovene Ethnographic Museum, the Architectural Museum of the castle and houses Fužine Joze Plečnik, Slovenian Technical Museum, Archaeological Museum in the Park Yakopicheka, the Museum of Beer, Museum of tobacco, Slovenian School Museum, the State Opera and Ballet, the State Drama Theater of Slovenia, etc.

Notranska - relatively sparsely populated region, famous for its landscapes of forested mountains, and, again, karst caves. Here are two famous natural attractions of the country and one of the most famous in the world of caves - Postojna Cave and Shkotsyan that because of the lack of modern hotels in the vicinity of the capital, usually attend. These caves are recognized by UNESCO world heritage. Postojna (55 km. West of Ljubljana), located at gromazhnoy karst caves of Postojna Cave, in which there are unique blind Mudpuppy. Miniature train runs between stalactites and stalagmites of the caves in 1872 in 9 kilometers northwest of Postojna, at the 123-meter cliff, there is an ancient castle Predyama (XIII-XVI cent.) With the whole system of underground galleries and caves, and cave Planina (Planinski Yama, 6156 m.), the Church of Our Lady (XV cent.) Ravbar tower, castle Haasberg and pretty dresses Nanos.

At 13 km. the south-east of Sežana between Postojna and Koper, are preserved in almost pristine condition of the cave Shkotsyan. The river Notranska through which a 45-meter height of a bridge Hanke, before the village suddenly disappear in karst cavities, open in 1885 are not far less exotic caves Vilenitsy - one of the first in Europe to which access has been opened to the public (XVII century.). Near Shkotsyanom is still a "tourist Mecca" of the country - a small village of Lipica, where the world-famous stud farm (1580), famous for its handsome "lipitsantsami.

Gorenjska or Upper Carniola - an area of picturesque Julian Alps, pristine forests, clean lakes and pastoral landscapes. Near the highest peak in Slovenia - Mount Triglav (2863 m), spreads the Triglav National Park (4% of the country) - the only reserve in the Julian Alps, on whose territory the famous ski resorts in Bohinj, Bled and Kranjska Gora.
The largest city of Upper Carniola - Kranj, is located the foot of the Alpine ranges Kamnik and Savinja. The old quarters between the area Maistrov Trg and the church of St. Fabian (1478) side by side here with the modern neighborhoods, and colorful buildings area Hlávka Trg shaded bridges across Cockerill. Of interest are the old Town Hall, which houses local history museum Gorenjska, St. Kantsiyana, the Church of the Holy Rosary (XVI cent.), An ancient watchtower with a cafe-gallery "Pungert", an old castle Grad-Kislshteyn (XVI century. Now here is City Department of Culture), Museum of the poet Prešeren Street. Preshernova, as well as the Brdo, Strmolo and the Church of St. Margaret (1342) in the vicinity of the city. No less interesting ancient cities Shkofya-Loka, Kamnik, Kamnishka Bystrica and mountains Grintovets (2558 m.), Skut (2532 meters) and Planyava (2394 meters).

Bohinj is located in the area of the largest in Slovenia (the area of 328 ha, the length of 4 km.) Eponymous lake. Bohinj ski area combines several ski centers, the most significant of which Vogel, Koblach and Sorishka Planina. Bohinj itself lies at an altitude of 525 meters above sea level, the zone extends skiing at altitudes from 570 to 1800 meters and is serviced by a number of lifts.
Plateau Vogel (1569 - 1800 m.), famous for "long snow" (steady snow cover from mid-December to late April), are 8 lifts and cable cars. There are 17 tracks total length of 36 km. a maximum length of 7,5 km. and the vertical drop of 1200 m. There is a lighted trail for night skiing and 15 km. lines for flat skis. Koblach Ski Center is 12 km. from Bohinj at a height of 550 - 1480 m. It has 6 lifts, and the total length of lines reaches 23 km. (not counting free-raydnyh) with a maximum length of 2,5 km. and the vertical drop 750 m. There is equipment for artificial snow, ski trails plain length of 6 km. and skating rink. Sorishka Planina Mountain Ski Center is located 15 km. Bohinj at altitudes from 1280 - 1549 hours, eight kilometers of its tracks serve 3 rope tows are also available for a flat ski trail 3 km long.

A luxury resort Bled is located 40 km. from the capital, on the shore of the lake of the same name, where the winter skate, and in summer you can swim. This spa bath, was widely used already in the Middle Ages, attracted by the beauty of the lake, which lies a small island with the church, and well-developed infrastructure, recreation, tronuvshey not, however, the natural beauty of the surroundings. The main attraction of the resort - the glacial Lake Bled (depth - 30 meters, length - 2,12 km., Width - 1,38 km.), Fueled by warm springs (in summer the water temperature reaches 24 C). Also interesting is Bled Castle (Grad, XIII-XVI centuries.) - The former residence of briksenskih bishops, which now is an excellent historical museum and a restaurant. It is worth visiting the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin (1142), the parish church of St Martin (1905), "Wishing Bell" in the church on the island, the Church of St. Mark in vrbe!, The former residence of Tito - "Hotel Villa", gorges and Pokljuka Vingara etc.

The largest ski resort in the country is Kranjska Gora, located on the north-west, a few kilometers from the border with Austria and Italy. Area skating is located at altitudes of 980 - 2300 m and comprises 23 tracks with 20 lifts), as well as tracks for flat skis. On the slopes of Mount Vitrank (1631 m.) trace for the special slalom and giant slalom. This annual competitions of the World Cup downhill. In the village Planica is one of the biggest jumps in the world. Also attractive picturesque valleys of Planica and Sava-Dolinka, Church of the Assumption (1510), Russian Orthodox Church and the Botanical Garden Alpinum Juliana in Trenta Valley, Museum Lizneka waterfall in Tamara, as well as the lake is clear and sport fishing in the waters of the Sava, Pishnitsy and Bystrica.

Dolenjska or lower Kornioliya - one of the most distinctive parts of Slovenia. The administrative center of the field - Novo Mesto (70 km. From Ljubljana), founded in 1365 here are interesting church of St. Nicholas, a Franciscan church of St. Leonard (XV cent.), The area of Home Safety Trg with City Hall and numerous medieval houses, ancient Gymnasium (1746, now here is a music school), Museum of Dolenjska and many old buildings.

Otočec (6 km. From the Novo Mesto) drew its Castle on the island (converted into a luxury hotel), Ivanchna-Gorica - Abbey partially (in 1136, the most ancient monastery of Slovenia) and lock Bogenshperk, Ribnitz - Church of St. Stephen (XIX in.) and the Museum of Ethnography in the partially preserved castle of XIII century. and Soteska - the ruins of a grand castle (1231). Nearby is the very first balneological resort in Slovenia - Dolenjska Toplice-(XIII cent.) Lock Zhuzhemberg (1293), as well as hot springs Smarjeske-Toplice (first mentioned in documents in 1392). Kostanevitsa-on-Krka is the oldest medieval town in Slovenia (obtained its status in 1252, now is a very small town) and is widely known for its castle-monastery (1234) and The Art Gallery of Bozidar Yakatsa.

Primorsk - a vast south-western region of the country, comprising the valley of Sochi, Idriyu, Karst (Sežana) and part of the Adriatic coast - Istria. This is one of the most popular tourist areas of the country, providing an excellent opportunity to practice at the same time to go skiing (yes even in the territories of three countries - Slovenia, Italy and Austria), to carry out fusion of wild mountain rivers, or relax on the beaches of the Adriatic.

Mountain resort Bovec is located on the border of Austria, Italy and Slovenia and is considered the mountain resort of Slovenia. Sam Resort is located at an altitude of 483 meters, but his route down almost to the very top of the peak Kanin (altitude skiing 2300 - 900 m). Here, 17 runs a total length of 12 km. Serviced by 6 lifts, and a single ski pass allows you to ride on trails resorts Sella Neva and Trbizh (Italy), as well as in the Austrian Arnoldstein. The ski season here lasts from December to May. Main attractions of the resort - the cleanest river Soča and waterfall Boka (elevation 106 meters, width - 25 m).

Idriya, one of the oldest settlements of the country, famous for its tradition of bobbin lace, as well as a lock Geverkeneg (now the City Museum is located here, acknowledged in 1997 the best technical museums in Europe), the Church of the Holy Trinity (1500), The Art Gallery in the old building of the former city granaries (1770), Wild Lake (Divzhe Jezero) and, of course, the most ancient mercury mines in Europe. Small town Tserkno - one of the centers of the country skiing (trails Chrni-Vrha descend from a height of 1291 meters, 4 lifts and 2, monorail) and eco-tourism. Interesting and small towns on the spot Aydovshchina ancient Roman fortress Castra, "wine capital of the Primorsky - Vipava, Shtanel medieval village, a magnificent castle in Dabrowa, ancient churches in Koysko (XVIII century). Vedriyane and (XVI cent.), As well as the urban town of Nova Gorica.

Industrial and port of Koper - the main town of Istria. Here is an excellent area to see Titov Trg, the building of Lodge (1464, now there are cafes and art gallery), Cathedral of St. Mary's (XV cent.), St. Nicholas Church (XVI century.) Rotunda of St. John the Baptist (Carmine, 1317), Church of St. Basso (XVI century.), arsenals Forester and Amer, an old granary Fontiko (XIV century.), the city gates Muda (1516), Gravizi Barababyanka palace, the palace Belgramoni-Tacca (1600 ) with an excellent regional museum, the palace Totto (XVIII cent.), the palace of the gross and the oldest building in the city - the Rotunda of the Ascension (1082).

Piran - the pearl of the Adriatic coast and one of the most popular resorts in the country. Among the narrow streets of the old city gates of the fortress tower (XIII century.) Tartini Square, St. Peter's Church (1818), Town Hall and Gates Dolphin (XV cent.) Palace of Justice (XIX cent.) Church of St. Francis ( XVIII-XIX cc.), the Church of the Virgin Snow (1404), St. George's Church (XIV century.), patron saint, the Virgin Church, Belfry (1608), St. Stephen's Church (XIV century.), a small Aquarium, Maritime Museum and Art Gallery Minorum.

Portoroz the XIX century, is famous for its sandy beaches and casinos, the first of which was discovered in 1913, and the seaside boulevard OBAL. In the city a little bit of historical sights - natural park "Form Viva", the Maritime Museum and the Museum of saline, but the district s set of high quality hotels and spas. Solev Alkaline-sea sediments, "uterine" water, sea therapeutic mud - "peloids" Thermomineral microclimate and water - all this makes the city a major resort center.

A small area of Bela Krajina is located on the south-east, on the border with Croatia. In Metlika interest St Nicholas Church (XIII century.), The former residence of the Commander of the Teutonic Order - Komenda, National History Museum in the old castle and the Museum of the fire cause. In the village Rosaliitse (2 km. Metliki from) is to examine three tiny churches (XII century.), One of which - the Church of Our Lady, is the oldest on the territory of Slovenia Authority (1753).

Situated on a high plateau Chrnomel not rich in sights, but the Church of the Holy Spirit (1487, conducted excavations), St. Peter's Church (1228), the ruins of the temple of Mithra (III century., 4 km. From Chrnomelya) and the House of Culture which met the first parliament free of Slovenia, still need to inspect.

Shtaerska, the largest region of the country - the land of winemakers, brewers and glass blowers. Shtaerska known for the beauty of their cities, hot springs and snow-covered slopes Kamnishskih and Savinja Alps.

Maribor - one of the most beautiful towns in Slovakia, economic and cultural center of north-eastern part of the country. Here the most interesting area of Liberty with below it the largest wine cellars in the Balkans (the area - 20 thousand square meters. M), an old castle (1478, now it is National History Museum), Slovene People's Theater (1852), Church of St. John the Baptist (XII-XVIII cc.), the building of the former Town Hall (1515), St. Louis, Ships Tower (1310), the tower and the Jewish Synagogue (1456), Vodovzvodnaya tower with a collection of vintage "Vinag , Maribor Art Gallery, Museum of photography, a beautiful city park with aquariums and terrariums, as well as a beautiful ski resort in Maribor Pohorje.

Celje - still one of the oldest cities in the country, known from ancient times. Here are preserved many buildings of the last century near the railway station, the church of St. Mary's (1310) and St. Cecilia, the People Domka (1895-1896.) Lower Castle (Spodni degrees), the Count's Palace (now the National History Museum is located here) , chapel of St. Daniel, the bridge Capuchins, Town Hall (1830) and the old castle of the Counts Celje - Stari Grad south-east of the city. In the vicinity of many sports facilities and good conditions for fishing, but in the town Shempeter preserved Roman necropolis with many ancient burial facilities.

In the same area there are many churches and castle in Slovenska Bystrica, reserves Logarska-Valley, Robanov-cat, Gault, Smekovets-Komen, Plenyava and Luka-Bela in the valley of Savigny, the largest temple in Slovenia - the parish church of St. Melchior, and CB . Fortunata (1752-1761 gg.) in Gornji Grad, the castle and church Vrbovec in Nazare, 90-meter waterfall Rinka in the reserve Logarska-valley, the castle with a museum in Velenje (XIII century.) etc.

Ptuj is the oldest town in Slovenia and has the status of the city-museum. The main attractions include the ancient city neighborhoods around the streets Murkova, Yadranska and the Slovenian area, the Franciscan monastery (1280), the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (XVI cent.), St. George's Church (XIII century.) Town Hall, Drawsko tower (1551), the Dominican monastery and the castle Ptuyski Grad (X-XI centuries. now here is National History Museum), the former residence of the bishops of Salzburg - Mali Grad (Small Castle). In the vicinity of the castle are interesting Borlea (13 km. To the south-east of Ptuya), Church of Our Lady of Mount Ptuyskoy (XVI century., 12 km. To the south-west of Ptuya), the ruins of ancient temples in Spodnya-Haydin (4 miles. west of the city), the largest in the territory of Slovenia, garden and park ensemble - Dornava mansion, mansion Shtatenberg (8 km. to the south-west of Ptuyska-Mt) and the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Castle of the Teutonic Knights (XIII century). in Velika Sunday, mineral springs in Rogaska Slatina, the spa resort Podchetrteka (30 km. to the east of Celje) and an excellent Ethnographic Open Air Museum in Rogatets.

North-eastern region Prekmurje draws attention for its mix of the Finno-Ugric and Slavic cultures, as well as the many ancient castles and temples. Most interesting are the castle and church in Murska Sobota, the church of St. Martin in the Martyantsy, hot springs in the Moravian-Toplice, Banovce, Radenci, Zreče and Terme Lendava, the miraculous Virgin Mary Church in Jerusalem, an Olympic ski center Rogla (height - 1 517 m. , 11 lifts and ski runs with total length of 10 km.) - the largest sports and recreational complex Slovenia, etc.

Holiday complexes Dobrna, Zreče, Lashko, Rogaska Slatina, Strunyan, Topolshitsa, Čatež and Prekmurska plains known far outside the country. A palace complex in Mokrice, Vinica, Otočec, Dabrowa, as well as SRM, Haasberg, snow, Zapritse, Cave, Bleysky, Kranjska, Kromberk, Lashsky, Loksky, Strmolsky and Turyaksky and others have attracted a lot of old fans from around the world.

Opportunities for active recreation in Slovenia is practically unlimited - many ski resorts, rafting on the river Soča, skating on Lake Bled, climbing to ice climbing, warm waters of the Adriatic, the Triglav National Park with its beautiful flora and fauna - all this allows you to select any kind of rest "to taste".