Situlas, medieval arcades and the Krka River give Novo Mesto a clear cultural and scenic focus. You can explore the city’s history, the river and its natural surroundings, or local trails and viewpoints.
Glavni trg and its history
Glavni trg is Slovenia’s largest preserved medieval square and part of Novo Mesto’s historic city centre. Its most distinctive architectural feature is its arcades. The Rotovž, the town hall and a cultural monument of national importance, stands on the square. Below Glavni trg, Kandija Bridge, also known as the old railway bridge, crosses the Krka in a single 75-metre arch. The square, town hall and bridge show different aspects of the historic cityscape: arcades, a significant public building and a striking river crossing.
Situlas and archaeological heritage
Novo Mesto is considered the world’s largest archaeological site for situlas. Sixteen situlas have been discovered here, including nine richly decorated ones; situlas decorated with figures are among the finest artefacts of their kind in Europe. The Archaeological Department of the Dolenjska Museum presents archaeological heritage to the public. Praznik situl is also part of Glavni trg’s cultural calendar: by 13 June 2026, the festival had already been held there eleven times in a row. If the festival is important to your trip, check the dates for the year you plan to visit.
The Krka and its many facets
Novo Mesto’s Town Beach lies on the right bank of the Krka below Portoval Sports Park, about a ten-minute walk from Glavni trg. Visitors can rent SUP boards, canoes and wooden rowboats there; check availability before your trip. Ragov Log offers a different natural setting: this woodland area is within Novo Mesto and is separated from the historic city centre by the Krka. On a broader scale, the Krka is the largest river in the Dolenjska region and is known for its meanders and tufa barriers. The entire river area is part of the Natura 2000 network.
Views and trails
The Church of the Nativity of Mary crowns the summit of Trška Gora at an elevation of 428 metres and is a pilgrimage site. Another viewpoint is the Kapitelj Observation Deck: 126 steps lead to a height of about 24 metres. From there, you can see the old town, the green Krka, the wine-growing hill of Trška Gora and the Gorjanci Mountains, with Trdinov Vrh in the distance. Check access and opening hours before your visit. The Three Castles Trail is 8.7 kilometres long and runs around the Trška Gora area; route details may change, so check the latest information before setting out.
OtoÄec: landmark and park
OtoÄec Castle is an outstanding cultural monument of national importance and was first mentioned in the 13th century. OtoÄec Castle Park offers a setting for leisurely walks and nature experiences. The region thus offers both a designated cultural heritage site and a place for quieter walks in the green. You can take both into account when planning, without linking them into a set route.
Markets, wine cellars and local trails
The Novo Mesto Market takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Glavni trg, bringing together local producers, creatives and visitors. If the market fits your visit, check the hours in advance. As part of the Open Vineyard Cottages project, vineyard owners welcome guests into their private wine cellars and offer their own wines and homemade specialities. Whether an individual wine cellar welcomes guests depends on its availability.
Along the ŽupanÄiÄ Footpath, wooden benches feature verses by ŽupanÄiÄ engraved on them. Julija’s Footbridge and the Loka footbridge are also on the route. Both cross the river and are intended for pedestrians and cyclists. Visitors can register to use the self-service GoNM bike-sharing system; registration requirements may change, so check them in advance.
Discover more destinations: OtoÄec, Novo Mesto, Dolenjske Toplice, Å marjeÅ¡ke Toplice, Å entjernej, Å kocjan, Dvor, Dolenje Kronovo, Å mihel Pri Žužemberku, Vinica Pri Å marjeti, Žužemberk, Straža, Brezovica, Mali Ban, Srednje GrÄevje, Å marjeta, Hrib pri Hinjah, Mirna PeÄ.
Go to the overview of destinations: Slovenia.
