Built along the Krka River, this Slovenian city has preserved its 14th-century town center with the Gothic Cathedral of St. Nicholas and Venetian-style Loggia at its heart.
Novo Mesto sits along the Krka River in southeastern Slovenia, 70 kilometers from Ljubljana. Walk through the medieval Main Square, see Tintoretto's paintings in St. Nicholas Cathedral, or paddle down the Krka River past the island castle of Otočec. The city's museums hold some of Europe's rarest Iron Age artifacts, including ancient bronze situlas dating back 2,500 years.
Getting to Novo Mesto
Trains and buses run hourly from Ljubljana to Novo Mesto, with the journey taking about an hour. Drive via the A2 motorway - the city lies halfway between Ljubljana and Zagreb.
Main Square and Old Town
The Glavni Trg (Main Square) centers the old town, with 15th-century buildings and covered arcade walkways. Walk the narrow streets down to the Krka River, or explore the Breg quarter, built on former city walls. You'll find preserved sections of medieval fortifications along the riverside walking paths.
Cathedral and Religious Buildings
St. Nicholas Cathedral rises above the city on Kapitelj Hill. Inside, you'll find an altar painting by Venetian master Tintoretto and side altar works by Valentin Metzinger. The yellow Franciscan Church of St. Leonard, built in 1472, keeps a collection of medieval manuscripts and religious texts in its library.
Archaeological Discoveries
Visit the Dolenjska Museum to see nine decorated situlas - ceremonial bronze vessels from the Early Iron Age. These artifacts make up nearly 25% of all such vessels found worldwide. The museum explains the Hallstatt culture through exhibits about early settlements in the region.
Otočec Castle
Walk across the bridge to the 13th-century Otočec Castle on its river island. Stay in the castle hotel, dine at the restaurants, or walk through gardens filled with rare tree species. The limestone river bed creates small rapids around the island, and paths circle the entire castle grounds.
River Activities
Take a trip on Rudolf's raft or Nika raft to see the city from the water. In summer, swim at designated spots along the river. Follow the walking paths through Ragov Log and Portoval Groves, which wind along the forested riverbank.
Wine Production
Try Cviček, a light red wine made in the hills around Novo Mesto. Visit family vineyards on Trška Gora wine hill for tastings. Look for the 400-year-old linden tree and the Church of the Nativity of Mary while exploring the hill.
Where to Eat
La Storia (Topliška cesta) serves Italian dishes and pizza. Try Serbian grilled meats at Okrepčevalnica Gedžo in Bršljin. For Slovenian food by the river, eat at Gostišče Loka.
Where to Stay
Book a bed at Hostel Situla in the city center, with options from €13.50 (ten-bed dorm) to €35 (single room). Hotel Krka on Novi trg has 49 modern rooms with air conditioning and WiFi. For luxury accommodation, stay at Otočec Castle Hotel in medieval surroundings.
