Vipava valley specialties

Skocjan Caves with their subterranean canyon, Idrija with the once world-renowned mercury mine, and the Ljubljana Marshes, where you can discover the heritage of an ancient pile-dweller culture – these are the special features of Slovenia that can be found on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are an additional six special features of Slovenia on the Tentative List that are still waiting to be declared as World Heritage.

After Ljubljana, Maribor is the largest city in Slovenia. It is located close to the Austrian border, and it is built up along the banks of the Drava River. Maribor is known for its wine growing industry that surrounds the city as well as its endless outdoor recreation opportunities. In Maribor, you can see the Stara trta, or the oldest vine in the world, which dates back for more than 450 years. Keep the wine tour going with a trip to the popular Old Vine House and the enormous Vinag Wine Cellar. Don’t miss the major squares in Maribor, which include Slomskov Square, Main Square and Castle Square, all of which offer plenty of charm and historic architecture.

Predjama Castle is a magnificent Renaissance castle. What makes this castle unique is the fact that it is built inside a cave. The castle used to be home to Erazem Lueger, a knight, who was known as the local Robin Hood. Available audio tours reveal the exciting life of Lueger and the history of the Predjama Castle. Tours of a secret tunnel, which served as a supply route when the castle was under siege, are also available when scheduled in advance.

Searching for Vipava valley rooms? Vipava Valley … Golden hues of ripening spill across the greenery. The air is heavy with the scent of apricots, peaches and ripe grasses. If valley days appear too hot, the Nanos, Gora and Trnovo Plateaus offer plenty refreshment, alongside the crystal rivers and springs. Tastings in superb wine cellars make for joyous evenings in good company. Whether hiking, biking, exploring or simply enjoying nature, the perfect summer day lies at your feet ….

Slovenia’s wine regions may not be well known internationally but a visit can be just as rewarding as exploring the wineries of Tuscany, and you’ll avoid the crowds. We visited the Vipava Valley just an hour’s drive south of the capital Ljubljana but it feels far away from city life. Here we discovered karst hills and vines heavy with grapes, terracotta roofed villages and gothic churches, gourmet food using local produce, and of course many excellent wines.

Our day began in Vipava, the principal town of the region, with less than 2000 inhabitants. In the main square men were drinking beer in the pavement cafes at 10am on a weekday and the town had a sleepy unhurried air. Rugged karst mountains, limestone protruding from the green-blue forest, are the backdrop to the town of simple but elegant white and pastel buildings all with terracotta roofs.

Ljubljana Castle offers the most beautiful views of Ljubljana. This sixteenth-century castle is easily accessible by foot or by taking a tram. On the top, the cafĂ© and a restaurant in the castle’s courtyard are a perfect place to rest and enjoy a cup of coffee or taste traditional food. Ljubljana Castle also hosts several permanent exhibitions and offers guided tours.

The Kobarid Museum was founded with the purpose of preserving, presenting, and researching the history of World War I in Slovenia. Most of the museum is dedicated to the Soca Front, the most important front on the Slovenian territory in the Great War. The rooms of the museum present visitors with photos documenting the horrors of the front, military charts, diaries and maps, and two large relief displays showing the front lines. Visitors can explore the museum on their own, or they can partake in one of the guided tours.

PIRAN: It is said that Piran is to the Adriatic what Bled is to the Alps and what Slovenia as a whole is to Central Europe: tiny, friendly and overwhelmingly picturesque. With Slovenia’s nest square and one of Europe’s most dramatically situated churches, there is plenty to fall in love with here.

VIPAVA VALLEY: Are you searching for a great value meal deals? Well, then you are in the right place. Local tourist farms and restaurants are offering seasonal dishes following the recipes of their grandmothers. Just to list some Vipava valley specialties: Nanos cheese, Vipavska jota/Vipava thick soup with turnip or sauerkraut, beans and potatoes, Vipavski struklji/Vipava dumplings, Selinka/celery soup, Vipavski prsut/Vipava prosciutto. These dishes are unique and yummy. Dober tek/Have a good meal!. For rooms/accomodations please check Vipava valley rooms.

LJUBLJANA CASTLE: Arguably the capital’s most recognisable sight, Ljubljana Castle sits atop the hill around which the city grew. It has gone under many reconstructions over the centuries and is chock-full of points of interest, but the panoramas of the city it provides is worth the trip alone.

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