Kostanjevica na Krki

Kostanjevica na Krki

Is one of the oldest – and smallest – towns in Slovenia. It stands on an island in a bend of the River Krka. The name Kostanjevica first appears in documents in the year 1091. Its first mention as a town comes in 1252, along with the towns of Celovec (Klagenfurt) and Velikovec (Völkermarkt).

Archaeological research has shown that the site has been settled since prehistoric times, and finds testify to the presence of Illyrians, Celts and Romans. In 1042 the counts of Friesach-Zeltschach are mentioned as owners of estates here.

The Spanheims built a manor on the island and founded the Cistercian monastery, thus creating the conditions for Kostanjevica to prosper. Following the death of Ulrich II, the last of the Spanheims, owners of the town included King Otakar II of Bohemia (from 1269), the Frankopans, the lords of Svibno, the counts of Cilli and the Hapsburgs. By the end of the 17^th century the town had passed under the possession of the Cistercian monastery. In the second half of the 15^th century Kostanjevica waned in importance, although it partially recovered its role in the 19^th century.

The old town centre on the island is defined by: the parish church of St James, built before 1220, the church of St Nicholas, built around 1400, and the former ministerial manor.

In 1997, because of its surviving medieval layout, the town was proclaimed a cultural and historical monument. With its cultural and natural features of interest, a wide range of restaurants and cafés, traditional events and recreational opportunities, it attracts a large number of visitors.

• The Cistercian monastery
• Božidar Jakac gallery