Čatež

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From the hilltop church at Čatež on a clear day there's a magnificent view - before you are the folded hills and valleys of Dolenjska, with their neat and colourful villages, beyond, Gorjanci and Kočevski Rog.

Šentrupert

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At Šentrupert traditional farmsteads and town buildings cluster around the parish church of St Rupert, - where the elegant columns in the 15th century nave take your eye to a ceiling beautifully decorated with flowers and foliage. Follow the road to Bistrica where on the far side of the village you will find one of the finest hay-racks in Slovenia.

Gallery of naive art at Trebnje

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Open: Mo - Fri 10 - 12, 14 - 18; Sa - Su by arrangement; Pre-booking recommended, Tel.: 07/ 304-45-58

Each year, Trebnje hosts a festival for naive artists from all over the world. In the art gallery in the town square you will find a world-class collection of their pieces - jewel-like paintings alive with colour and individuality - and some surprising sculptures on the green outside. Make sure you also see the interior of the Gothic church next door. The Baraga walking trail starts from the town.

Vesela gora

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Open: every day 8 - 17 by arrangement; Tel.: 07/ 304-00-09

The local farm and flax industry museum in the manor house in Vesela gora, has interesting old photographs, an intriguing collection of implements. Ask at the house next door to see the church's colourful frescoes and the famed altarpiece - a glorious mix of gold and silver foliated scrolls, with cherubs and crowned by the Virgin and child.

Stična monastery

Open: Tu-Sa 8.30-10 and 14 - 16, Su, Holidays 14 - 16,
Pre-booking recommended; Mo closed,
Tel.: 01/ 787-72-95

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Around the courtyard are Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, reflecting the importance and wealth of this Cistercian community over many centuries. Established in 1136, the monastery is now one of Slovenia's most important religious and cultural monuments. It houses a museum which charts the monastery's history and includes a priceless collection of church treasures. There are regular guided tours, and the monk's home-made specialities are sold in the monastery shop as well as Father Ašič's herbal teas and tinctures. Be sure to visit nearby Muljava with its lovely open air museum of village buildings associated with the writer Jusip Jurčič, and outdoor theatre with regular summer performances of the author's stories.

Source of the River Krka

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It is a pleasant walk across fields from Krka village to the cave where the river emerges - a small beginning for the great river of Dolenjska. The rare and mysterious amphibian, Proteus Anguinus, called the human fish is found here. Access is managed by the local tourism association - enquire in Krka village for details. The village church is refreshingly different from many in the region with the restrained interior, simply painted in warm golden yellow.