Novo mesto delights visitors not only with its impressive architecture and landmarks, but also with internationally acclaimed festivals that celebrate its unique heritage, establishing it as a vibrant cultural and artistic destination.
Novo mesto, despite its name suggesting “new” in Slovenian, paradoxically boasts an ancient history dating back to pre-Christian times. Nestled between hills adorned with vineyards and the bend of the Krka River, the city surprises visitors with numerous historical gems. Among the most notable are findings from the Iron Age, including situlae, skillfully decorated bronze pails used at feasts – this is why Novo mesto is often referred to as the “City of Situlae”.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the city’s rich history and scenic beauty. The Old Town Centre, encircled by medieval city walls, hosts landmarks such as Glavni trg (Main Square), Rotovž (City Hall), and St. Nicholas’s Cathedral, featuring an altar painting by Tintoretto. The Museum of Dolenjskashowcases the prosperous Dolenjska Hallstatt era with figurally decorated situlae and jewellery made from glass beads, amber and bronze. St. Nicholas’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece atop a hillock in the historic old town, stands as a timeless symbol of Novo Mesto. Lenart’s Franciscan Church and monastery is another significant site, home to the oldest library in Novo mesto, containing around 22,000 books, and the oldest grammar school in Slovenia.
Beyond its historical gems, one of the major draws to Novo mesto are numerous festivals hosted throughout the year, which showcase the city’s rich cultural offer and provide a dynamic experience of music, arts and local traditions. Here, we will highlight three of the most prominent festivals that contribute to Novo mesto’s vivid cultural scene.
Celebrating its 24th anniversary, the Jazzinty Festival is a cornerstone of Novo Mesto’s cultural calendar, drawing musicians and jazz enthusiasts from around the globe to transform the city into a bustling hub of musical excellence. Alongside renowned boutique music destinations worldwide, Jazzinty has earned its place with an eclectic program and high-quality performances.
The Novo Mesto Summer Festival (Festival novomeško poletje in Slovenian), launched in 2021, quickly emerged as a summer highlight celebrating the city’s vibrant music scene. Showcasing performances by prominent Slovenian artists, it underscores Novo mesto’s dynamic musical spirit and growing role as a cultural hub. As part of FestMest, Slovenia’s longest-running festival spanning from April to August and connecting 21 historical towns, the festival further enhances the city’s cultural appeal.
The Situlae Festival is a celebration of Novo mesto’s ancient past, focusing on life and cuisine from the Early Iron Age. Named after the remarkable bronze Situlae vessels found in the region, the festival features demonstrations of ancient crafts, culinary workshops, and reenactments of martial arts. Visitors can experience the mystique of Iron Age life through guided tours of archaeological sites and evening concerts inspired by historical themes.
Novo mesto, with its rich blend of music, history and culture, stands as a historical town worth visiting. Beyond its impressive architecture and historical landmarks, internationally renowned festivals celebrate city’s unique heritage and establish it as a must-visit destination for cultural and artistic exploration.
This article is part of an exciting partnership with with the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia, of which Novo mesto is also a member. The partnership aims to bring you captivating stories from the historical towns nestled across Slovenia. As a regular feature of News from Slovenia, delivered to our valued subscribers, readers can expect to discover exciting stories from these timeless cities in the coming months. The contents and photos for this article were provided by the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia and Novo mesto.
