Kostanjevica on the river Krka is located with its small yet beautiful old town centre on an artificial island. In the early medieval period Kostanjevica belonged to Great Carantania and was first mentioned in 1091. In 1241 it was mentioned as a market-town and already in 1251 as a town with its own municipal laws, seal and town council. Kostanjevica survived in the time of Turkish inroads as a fortified camp just to lapse into oblivion during reformation and peasant risings. In the years of Second World War the local population contributed a huge share to the common struggle against the occupier.

The town structure with its two one-way streets has remained until today. Laid back feeling and renewed old buildings will make you sit down in one of the local caffees, order a drink and just enjoy the view on the hilly vineyards surrounding the town. After that a walk by the river Krka will fill up your batteries and if you have a bathing suit with you, do not hesitate to dive into the clean water of Krka. Yes, you can take a swim almost in the center of the town! Or if you don’t want to get wet rent a boat. Maybe fishing is your game. Because of the numerous floods and bridges it is known as Venice of Dolenjska region.

But not just the floods also the culture is a link to Venice. A nearby monastery houses a permanent collections of reknown Slovenian artists: Božidar Jakac, Jože Gorjup, Tone and France Kralj, Zoran Didek, Janez Boljka… Outside of the beautiful former monastery is Forma Viva that began in 1961 with sculptures mainly made out of oak. Artists from throughout the world participate. About 100 sculptures are exhibited in natural surroundings, in the gardens of a former monastery, and in the very city and nearby areas.

If you are a Karst fan you can find a Kostanjevica cave near the monastery. It opens its door in April but just over the weekends. In July and August it is open everyday except Monday.

After you’re done with strolling around make sure to find a nice local restaurant (I always go to “Žolnir Inn” just outside Kostanjevica) and order a juicy duck with flat cakes and try the Dolenjska region quality red wine called “cviček”.

How to get there? From Ljubljana follow the main road to Zagreb and just exit at the Kostanjevica sign. From Celje follow the road to Zidani Most and then Krško and after Krško just straight forward to Kostanjevica. From Celje it takes about an hour to get there.

 

 

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