Kostanjevica Na Krki: Art, History and Nature

Kostanjevica Na Krki brings together sculptures and art collections with an old town whose history can be read in its churches and historic buildings. Nature experiences are also part of the town’s character: hiking trails pass through varied landscapes, and a kayak-canoe club runs a kayak school on the Krka. Which of these aspects interests you most may shape your choice of destination.

Experience Art: Forma Viva and Galleries

Forma Viva comprises more than 100 sculptures. They are located in the immediate surroundings of the Božidar Jakac Gallery and at other sites in Kostanjevica Na Krki. The event resumed in 1998 after a ten-year break and has taken place every two years since. It thus combines a recurring art event with sculptures at several locations throughout the destination.

The Božidar Jakac Gallery displays works by Slovenian artists in its permanent collections, including Božidar Jakac, France and Tone Kralj, Jože Gorjup, France Gorše, Zoran Didek, Janez Boljka and Bogdan Borčić. The Pleterje Collection of Old Masters is also on view there. The Gorjup Gallery has a different focus: its permanent exhibition presents a selection of sculptures, paintings, drawings and prints from an extensive international art collection of the 20th century. Visits to this gallery are possible by prior arrangement with the Božidar Jakac Gallery.

The Lamut Art Salon is also connected with the town’s art history. It is located in a former manor house on the island in the old town and is dedicated to the painter and graphic artist Vladimir Lamut (1915–1962). The former manor house dates back to the 16th century; part of the building was converted into an art salon in 1958. If you are planning a visit, check access in advance.

Old Town, Churches and Monastic History

The old town was declared a cultural and historical monument in 1997 because of its preserved medieval plot layout. The Church of St. James reveals several building phases: it was built before 1220 and remodeled several times later. A fresco of Saint Christopher dating from around 1350 is located on its south exterior wall. The Church of St. Nicholas adds to this picture with a late Gothic core dating from the 16th century and a neo-Gothic exterior. The year 1692 is inscribed on its tower; the three-sided apse was painted by Jože Gorjup in 1932.

The former Cistercian monastery of Fons Beatae Mariae is part of the area’s history. It was founded in 1234 near Kostanjevica Na Krki, at the source of the Obrh stream, and was declared a cultural monument of national importance in 1989. The history of the monastery and the old town’s preserved medieval structure offer different ways of exploring the destination’s past: the history of a monastery on the one hand, and the town’s built layout on the other.

Hiking Trails and the Landscape Along the Krka

The eight-kilometre circular Resslova pot hiking trail starts at Gostilna Žolnir on the edge of Kostanjevica Na Krki. Its route links the Trstenik marsh, the central part of the forest, the edge of the nature reserve and the floodplain meadows along the Krka. Thus, the same circular trail includes a marsh, forest and river landscape among its listed stops. A 40.5-hectare primeval forest reserve, protected since 1952, is also located in the central part of Krakovski gozd.

Another option is Cvičkova pot: it is described as a moderately difficult hike, 6.9 kilometres long, with a stated duration of three hours. The two trails therefore differ in both length and the stated details on circular route, difficulty and duration. For activities on the water, the Krško Kayak-Canoe Club runs its kayak school on the Krka in Krška vas and Kostanjevica.

Kostanjevica Cave is a natural monument of exceptional geological and natural value. It is closed until 15 April 2027 for renovation work. If you plan to visit the cave during your trip, check the latest information in advance.

Local Customs and Practical Planning

Šelmarija is a carnival custom characteristic of Kostanjevica Na Krki. If you are interested in local traditions, you can consider it as a cultural aspect of the destination in its own right. Another offering combines food and art: wine tastings are available by prior registration at the Cviček wine cellar in the Božidar Jakac Art Museum. They also include “cop na lop,” a savoury cake made from overheated cream. Registration is part of planning your visit.

For local information, the TIC Kostanjevica Na Krki is open Tuesday to Sunday. From 15 October to 14 April, opening hours are 8 am to 4 pm; from 15 April to 14 October, the TIC is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Check the hours before your visit. When planning your stay, you can take seasonal opening hours and visits by arrangement into account alongside art, architecture and nature.

Discover more destinations: Krško, Brestanica, Raka, Velika Vas pri Krškem, Armeško.

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