The Republic of Slovenia is a small, cozy state located in the outskirts of Europe. The proud Alps, the Adriatic Sea, dense forests and deep lakes peacefully coexist in a small area.
History of the country
The first settlers appeared on the territory of the modern state about 250,000 years ago. Illyrian and Celtic tribes lived here during the Iron Age, while the Slavs only arrived in the sixth century AD. In the seventh century the country was named Carantia and became part of the Frankish Empire. In the 14th century, the state became part of the future Austro-Hungarian Empire, and during the Napoleonic Wars, it became part of the French Empire. After the First World War, part of the Slovenian lands went to Italy, and the rest - to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. As a part of Yugoslavia, Slovenia remained after the Second World War, but in 1990 the majority of the inhabitants voted for independence. In 1991 it became an independent state, in 2004 it joined NATO and the European Union. The currency of Slovenia began to be called the euro, and residents began to actively join European standards.
The capital of Slovenia
For your beautyLjubljana, the capital of the country, was affectionately called "Little Prague". This not too large European city is located at the foot of the Julian Alps, on the banks of the Ljubljanica River. It is believed that the best time in the capital is July or August, when the thermometer rises to 25 degrees. Locals prefer to walk around the city on foot, and if they are not in a hurry, they can get around it in just one day. In addition, motor vehicles are strictly prohibited in some areas of Ljubljana.
The capital of Slovenia is conditionally divided into the old and the new city, each of which is good in its own way. One of the most famous places is the ancient castle of Ljubljana Castle, located on a hill. From here you have a wonderful view of the entire city. The next attraction that the residents of the capital are proud of is Prešeren Square, named after the famous poet. Everything here is permeated with the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, thanks to the preserved architecture and layout of buildings. Facts about the history of the country are carefully preserved in the museums of Ljubljana. In addition to the Historical Museum, there is even a Beer Museum and a Tobacco Museum. The youth of the capital do not like to be bored and enjoy spending time in nightclubs, attending discos and concerts.
Maribor
The second largest city in Slovenia is known as the center of the historical region of Lower Styria. Officially, it is believed that it was formed in the 13th century, although mention of it in the annals is found much earlier. Since then, the city has been actively developing and growing. Today it is one of the most important shopping centers in the country. Besides, inone of the largest ski resorts and famous thermal spas are located in its vicinity. Among the famous sights of the city, one can single out the main square, in the center of which a memorial column was erected in the 18th century in honor of the end of the plague. The church of St. Allois of the 18th century and the church of St. Barbara of the 17th century are also located here. The famous Maribor University began its existence less than a hundred years ago, but has already become widely known in its own country and abroad. More and more graduates of Slovenian schools choose its programs and continue their education within its walls.
Cele
The third largest city in Slovenia is a real gem of this country. First of all, it is famous for the magnificent Celje Castle built in the 14th century. Every year, the inhabitants of the city arrange a cheerful, noisy carnival. Trying to recreate medieval life, they dress in historical costumes, arrange balls and hold jousting tournaments. In addition to it, here you can see the ruins of ancient Roman walls and an open-air archaeological park.
Currency of Slovenia
Euro became the state currency back in 2007. Slovenia no longer needed the tolar, which at one time replaced the Yugoslav dinar. Guests of the country boldly exchange money in banks, hotels, travel agencies, exchange offices and post offices.
Interesting facts
- Time in Slovenia is one hour behind Moscow in summer and two in winter. Tourists should take this into account.
- Population of Slovenia– Approximately 1.9 million people.
- Sea resorts, spas and ski resorts - this is what small Slovenia attracts tourists to.
- The official language is Slovenian. Along the national borders, Hungarian and Italian also have the status of official languages.
- More than 75% of the local population consider themselves Catholics.
- Slovenia is a parliamentary state, led by a president elected for five years.
Culture of Slovenia
Art and culture hold a special place in the hearts of the people of this small country. The fact is that Slovenia too often passed under the authority of strong states and too often risked losing its identity. That is why, since childhood, Slovenes have been learning national songs and dances, folklore festivals are constantly held in the country and folk holidays are celebrated. The locals are also not indifferent to such religious holidays as Christmas and Easter.
Spirit of the Middle Ages
On the territory of this small country there are many ancient castles and palaces. Today they house museums and concert halls. Locals love holidays and honor ancient traditions. Before Christmas, they put on scary costumes and go from house to house, pretending to be dead this year. It is believed that the observance of this tradition brings people happiness and success in business. At the Fertility Carnival, people also dress up in folk costumes and put on scary masks to scare away the annoying winter. But the brightest and most spectacularthe festival takes place on Maslenitsa, which in Slovenia is called Pust. The mummers walk around the houses, carnival processions are held everywhere and ritual weddings are played.
Slovenian Cuisine
You can eat in this country anytime and anywhere, because even in the smallest village you can find a restaurant or cafe. Catering establishments here are divided into classes, which, unfortunately, do not always reflect the real state of affairs. Among the masterpieces of national cuisine, tourists usually single out pork sausages, strukli (dough balls stuffed with minced meat) and dried ham prosciutto. Among the well-known Slovenian desserts stand out “potitsa” (pies with nuts), “gibanica” (puff pastry with poppy seeds, nuts, raisins, apples and cottage cheese, poured with butter or cream), as well as “cream schnitt” (puff pastry cake with air cream and vanilla cream).
Transportation
The small state of Slovenia boasts well-established transport links. Any point in any city can be reached by bus. Tokens for this inexpensive and very convenient mode of transport are sold at all newsstands, as well as directly from the conductor. Residents of cities often use unlimited travel cards, designed for one week. There is excellent rail communication here, and by train you can get to almost anywhere in the country by buying a ticket at the railway ticket office, tourist office or on the train itself. Those who prefer to travel by their own transport can use a personalcar or rent at special points. To rent, it is enough to present a credit card of any bank or make a deposit, which depends on the brand of the car. The following prerequisites are over 21 years of age and an international driver's license issued at least one year ago.
Attractions
Despite its small size, Slovenia boasts a huge number of interesting and even unique places. Amazing nature, unique lakes, high mountains and a piece of the sea inspire the inhabitants of the country and its guests to return to these beautiful places again and again. The cities of Slovenia amaze travelers with their unusual architecture, ancient monasteries, temples and abbeys. It is also impossible not to mention the national park, the labyrinth of the Postojna Cave, which stretches for as much as 23 kilometers, as well as the Postojna Pit karst caves, famous for their bizarre stalactites and stalagmites.
Ski resorts
Slovenia's borders in the west end in the Julian Alps, which have given shelter to lovers of active winter recreation. So, Kranjska Gora includes three large ski centers: Kranjska Gora itself, Planica and Podkoren. This luxurious resort, located near the borders of Austria and Italy, is ideal for beginner athletes and children. That is why whole families often come here to relax. You can often meet foreign neighbors here. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, here you can go mountain climbing, entertain yourselfhike in the mountains or just enjoy the local natural attractions.
Fans of active winter holidays often come to Bovec, the country's highest mountain resort, as well as to the very popular Maribor Pohorje, located 17 kilometers from the Austrian border. The territory of the last resort in the past belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire for a long time, but was inhabited mainly by Slovenes. During the Second World War, this part of the country went to Germany and only then became free. Today Maribor Pohorje is the cultural and regional center of Lower Styria.
Therapeutic and thermal centers of Slovenia
The Republic of Slovenia is famous for its medical resorts. Aesthetic medicine is actively developing in the resort clinics of this country, which attracts clients from all over the world. Rogaška Slatina resort, located in the east of the country, offers its guests drinking mineral water, balneotherapy and diet food. The most famous resort of the Slovenian Riviera, Portoroz, attracts every year crowds of tourists from all over the country, the closest neighbors from Austria and Italy, as well as many of our compatriots. Here they treat with sea healing mud, thermal mineral waters, offer thalassotherapy treatment courses, various types of massages and face and body care programs. The center of Slovenia is famous for the resort of Laško, located on the Savenja River. It is in this cozy town, surrounded on all sides by high mountains, that the most modern thermal pool complex in the country is located.
Bleed
Lake Bled is fed by warm springs, and therefore is covered with ice only in very severe frosts. Guests are attracted here not only by the magnificent natural beauty, but also by the rare, unusual architecture of local cultural monuments, as well as unique thermal springs. In winter, the surroundings of the lake turn into a popular ski resort, suitable for intermediate athletes and beginners. During the summer, locals and their guests enjoy mountain biking, beach, horseback riding, golf and tennis courts. On the lake itself, they like to go fishing or ride pleasure boats. The main attraction of this place is Bled Castle from the 12th century, which now houses a national restaurant and a historical museum.
Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is located in the heart of the Triglav National Park, not far from the symbol of Slovenia - Mount Triglav. In summer, guests who come to the lake prefer to swim and sunbathe on the local beaches, go on mountain hikes and ride bicycles. Lovers of a relaxing holiday in the bosom of nature come here with their whole families, since the local resort is an excellent alternative to the sea. Those who prefer to spend their holidays actively rent the necessary sports equipment. Extreme lovers go in for mountain climbing, rafting, canyoning, paragliding, paragliding and many other sports. In winter, a large ski center operates in Bohinj, which combines several ski areas. Besides,It has the best ski school in the country, a toboggan run and a place for snowboarding. Vacationers in their free time visit the indoor pool, go to discos, visit restaurants and cafes, admire the frozen waterfall and taste delicious local wines.
Conclusion
The small and cozy Republic of Slovenia is a unique example of perseverance, diligence and determination. Even in difficult times, it has preserved its history and culture, was able to boost the economy and turned into an attractive tourist center. The modern Republic of Slovenia is proud of its history and culture, revives traditions, actively develops science and sports.
