Situated on a rocky promontory, in a readily defensible bend in the River Krka, New Town as the name translates, was awarded municipal rights on the 17th April 1365. Having been an area of settlement since the Bronze Age, it evolved into a prosperous market town and trade centre and then, establishing a collegiate chapter in 1493, became a centre of ecclesiastical importance. The prosperity has continued to this day with it being the home of the Krka Pharmaceutical Company and also Revoz, a subsidiary of Renault.

 

Newly developed here, is an Agricultural College, teaching specialist practices both for plants and animals.

The heart of the Old Town is confined by the river on three sides, a natural opening occurring only to the north. Records define the boundaries of the time, but sadly little remains of the medieval wall, the last remnants of which were torn down when the old guard towers were made habitable in 1786.
One of the largest prehistoric necropolises is here in the chapter church cemetery and the 7th to 5th Century BC opulent graves of dukes reveal that Novo Mesto was the home of the Hallstatt rulers.
A monument to its cultural past is the Franciscan monastery, origins 15th Century and the substantial market building dates from the 16th Century – its special features are the stone arcades in the parterre below the house facades and out of sight, the inner yards.

The Chapter church is the oldest building in Novo Mesto and afflicted by fires and Turks, developed into a thing of architectural distinction with its broken symmetry and different period building. Under the presbytery is a three-nave Gothic crypt, unique amongst Slovenian churches. Housed here is a painting of St Nicholas, by Tintorretto, a very precious object and a former provost formed the world famous Boys Choir of Vienna, when made bishop there.

Various artists, poets, writers and even an Olympic gymnast have all emanated from Novo Mesto and its House of Nation is the oldest of its kind in Slovenia.
Muzeums have a longstanding tradition in Novo Mesto, displaying artifacts from the early Stone Age, right through to modern times – the most valuable being the numerous unique pieces from the prosperity of the Hallstatt rulers.

A very delightfull way to view the town is by boat, travelling on the green waters of the Krka, passing under the 4 bridges, whilst witnessing the rich variety of flora and fauna, along with the many types of birds – swans, herons and even stalks guest on the flat riverbanks just out of town. Here too, is a footpath dedicated only to pedestrians and numerous fishermen – the Krka is famous for its rich fishing.
Swimming also has proven to be increasingly popular, whilst the older residents can remember when in the cold of winter, a natural skating ring was formed. Strangely, a versatile crab population is to be found, but sadly not as plentiful as previously.

The areas surrounding Novo Mesto are of particular beauty and interest – the Gorjanci mountain range housing an invaluable ecological system, including brown bears, wild boar and wild cats. The hillsides are covered with beech forests and finally there is the Trska Gora mountain, set amongst the beech trees, with its wine lodges and small vineyards, made famous not only by its Cvicek wines, but for the hospitality of its people. Atop of the hill is a delightfull church, built in 1620 – typical of so many Slovenian hilltops, probably moreso here than any other country. Historically a poor region, wine production being run by the Carthusian Monks, the houses were built from wood and straw, few surviving, but one or two are still there, known for their central feature – the Black Kitchen. Another distinctive form found here is the double corn rack, used not only for drying but storage of the corn and implements. Below again, the Krka valley is known as the valley of the castles, sadly now all derelict, but the restoration of a few is underway. Octcec Castle is an exception to this degradation, now renovated as an hotel and is like Bled Castle, famous as a wedding venue as well as historic entertainments.