Glavni trg is the largest preserved medieval square in Slovenia. By 13 June 2026, Praznik situl had already taken place eleven times in a row at Glavni trg in Novo Mesto.
Anyone wishing to explore Novo Mesto and rent a holiday apartment for this purpose will find information here to help with their accommodation search.
Culture and History
The Archaeological Department of the Dolenjska Museum presents archaeological heritage to the public. Sixteen situlas have been discovered in Novo Mesto, including nine richly decorated ones; as a result, Novo Mesto is considered the world's largest archaeological site for situlas. The figuratively decorated situlas are among the finest artefacts of their kind in Europe.
Rotovž, or the town hall, stands on Glavni trg and is a cultural monument of national importance. Its arcades form the most distinctive architectural feature of Glavni trg. Kandija Bridge, also known as the old railway bridge, crosses the Krka below Glavni trg in a single 75-metre-long arch.
The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary crowns the summit of Trška Gora at an altitude of 428 metres and is a place of pilgrimage. Otočec Castle is an outstanding cultural monument of national importance and was first mentioned in the 13th century.
Nature and Trails
The Krka is the largest river in Dolenjska and is known for its meanders and tufa barriers. The entire Krka river area belongs to the Natura 2000 network. Ragov Log is a forested area in Novo Mesto separated from the historic city centre by the Krka.
Otočec Castle Park provides a setting for relaxing walks and nature experiences. The Three Castles Trail is a route of around 8.7 kilometres around the Trška Gora area.
Water and Activities
The Observation Deck Kapitelj can be reached by climbing 126 steps to a height of around 24 metres; it offers views over the old town, the green Krka, the wine-growing hill of Trška Gora and the Gorjanci Mountains, with Trdinov Vrh in the distance.
At Novo Mesto Town Beach on the right bank of the Krka below Portoval Sports Park, visitors can rent SUP boards, canoes and wooden rowing boats. Novo Mesto Town Beach is about a ten-minute walk from Glavni trg.
The Župančič Footpath features wooden benches engraved with verses by Župančič. On the Župančič Footpath, Julija’s Footbridge and Loka footbridge cross the river; both are intended for pedestrians and cyclists. Visitors can register for the self-service bicycle rental system GoNM.
Local Life and Culinary Delights
The Novo Mesto Market takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Glavni trg and brings together local producers, creatives and visitors. As part of the Open Vineyard Cottages project, vineyard owners welcome guests into their private wine cellars and offer their own wines as well as homemade specialities.
Further destinations: Otočec, Novo Mesto, Dolenjske Toplice, Šmarješke Toplice, Šentjernej, Škocjan, Dvor, Dolenje Kronovo, Šmihel Pri Žužemberku, Vinica Pri Šmarjeti, Žužemberk, Straža, Brezovica, Mali Ban, Srednje Grčevje, Šmarjeta, Hrib pri Hinjah, Mirna Peč. Slovenia.
