Tel.: 07/ 332-18-30 and 07/ 332-18-31
The 16th Century Castle of Otočec
has the most dramatic location, on an island in the river
Krka. Approached across a wooden bridge and through two courtyards,
it was once the base of the Commander who defeated the Turks
at Kostanjevica. Now it's a hotel with a courtyard cafe where
you can sit and enjoy the grandeur of its setting. From here
you can explore calm, tree-lined stretches of river interspersed
with weirs and rapids and go swimming and fishing.
The journey to Kostanjevica na
Krki brings you to the start of the Panonian Plain and wide
horizons stretching far to the east. Named after the chestnut
trees surrounding it but also known as the Venice of Dolenjska,
this is a charming island town of old single storey houses.
One of Slovenia's oldest towns, it is now a protected area,
but in need of conservation. The medieval manor house is used
sometimes for exhibitions of contemporary art.
Open: at weekends from 15. April to 31.October, 10 - 18
and every day in July and August;
Tel.: 07/ 498-70-34, 498-75-42
The famous Kostanjevica Cave is
just southeast of the town. No one knew about it until 1937
when it was suddenly burst open by underground water. Soon
after, a species of snail, unique to this cave, was discovered.
On a guided tour, you will see well displayed galleries, full
of colourful stalactites and stalagmites.
|
|
To get into the church, you will need to call a priest,
Franci Brečko in Škocjan. Tel.: 068/76-007
You can walk to the hilltop church
at Stopno along the old pilgrimage route, in the sunken lane,
or drive through magnificent beech woods. You will be rewarded
by spectacular views, a cluster of traditional houses and
the exquisite little church. Now Baroque in appearance, it
has the characteristic external altar and pulpit. Inside,
there are mid-15th century wall paintings on the chancel ceiling
and the reveals of Gothic windows. Notice the simple rustic
gallery and the lovely painted wooden Gothic statue of the
Virgin and Child.
Open: Tu - Su 9 - 18, Nov - Mar 9 - 16,
Mo, 1.1., 1.11. and 25.12. closed,; Pre-booking recommended
Tel.: 07/498-70-08, 498-73-33;
An avenue of linden trees leads
you to this extraordinary building which was once a great
Cistercian monastery. Part of the facade is vigorous pink
and white Baroque; the other has two free-standing circular
towers painted in orange either side of the main entrance.
Here you will find a cafe and galleries displaying art collections
including Old Masters from nearby Pleterje monastery and work
by three outstanding modern Slovene artists - Janez Boljka,
France Kralj and Božidar Jakac. The monastery's fine Gothic
church and grounds provide settings for many pieces produced
from the annual sculpture workshop.
Open: Mo - Sa 7.30 - 17, Su 8 - 17;
Tel.: 07/ 308-12-25
Today's Carthusian monks no longer
use their fine 15th century Gothic church which you are welcome
to visit. It has the characteristic divide between the white
monks on the altar side and the brown monks on the west side,
whilst the Prior read the Bible to them from the loft above.
The monks are a closed order but you can gain an insight into
monastic life here from the audio-visual show and buy their
excellent home-made wine and cheese from the monastery shop.
Nearby, the Institute for the conservation of natural and
cultural heritage Novo mesto has begun an open-air museum
of traditional buildings, and you can walk from here up into
the Gorjanci Hills.
|
