Metlika

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Občina Metlika

Area:

108,9 km²

Population

8.123

- males

3.995

- females

4.128

Mayor:

Renata Brunskole

Average age:

40,19 let

Residential areas:

30,74 m²/osebo

- households:

2.583

- families:

2.219

Working active:

3.752

- unemployed:

393

Average monthly salary (avgust 2003):

- gross:

193.489 SIT

- net:

126.356 SIT

College/university students:

302

Source: Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, census of 2002.

Metlika is a town and a municipality in Slovenia.

Metlika, a border town, has a turbulent and interesting history. The territory of Metlika was inhabited already in the prehistoric times and Antiquity. Metlika, which was named Novi trg in Metlika back in the 14th century, was again granted city rights on April 29 ,1365 by Albreht IV, the count of Gorica-Tyrol. Later on, the town was marked by the invasion of the Turks, earthquakes, fires, the first reading society and the first savings bank in the region of Dolenjska and Bela krajina, the first fire brigade in Slovenia, etc. In 2005 Metlika is celebrating its 640th anniversary of city rights.

RIVER KOLPA Kolpa has 5 great and unique qualities. It is the southernmost river in Slovenia. It is also one of the cleanest and most intact rivers in Slovenia. Its temperatures rise up to 30°C in summer. It is also rich with fish and serves best for family and recreational pastime.

FERN AREAS The region of Bela krajina also hosts areas overgrown with birch trees and undergrowth of eagle fern. Local people named these natural phenomena “steljniki” (fern areas). The most beautiful fern areas are found in Vinomer near Metlika and in the vicinity of Marindol, a village south from Adlešiči. The meaning of the name Bela krajina derives from the image of white birch trees.

TRI FARE The renowned Tri fare pilgrimage centre is located in the north-eastern part of the village of Rosalnice near Metlika. The pilgrimage complex is distinguished by three Gothic churches, which are enclosed by a high churchyard wall. The churches stand side by side: the northern church is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, the central church is dedicated to Ecco homo (Behold the Man) and the southern church is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.

Metlika

METLIKA OLD CITY TOWN CORE Metlika's old town core, celebrating 640th anniversary of city rights in 2005, comprises Mestni trg, Trg svobode, Partizanski trg, and a few narrow streets. Due to the town's strategic position bellow the winegrowing hill Veselica and due to water which once surrounded the town, the old town core had a good natural defence function throughout history. The city centre is made up of many renowned buildings, the Metlika Castle, the first reading society in Dolenjska, the City Hall, the former Wach pharmacy building, and the Church of St Nikolaj. The Bela krajina Museum and the Slovene Firefighting Museum of Branko Božič can also be found in the town's city centre, while the Kambič Gallery is also located in the vicinity of the city centre.

DC3 PLANE The airplane is located along the road Črnomelj – Metlika, in the direction of the village Otok, 5 km from Metlika. The plane is dedicated to all Slovene and Bela krajina airports operating during the time of the National Liberation Front. The plane can be seen at any time, while the sport airport Prilozje lies in the vicinity of the plane.

MUSEUM BELA KRAJINA The Bela krajina Museum, which is based in Metlika Castle, has been open since 1951. The permanent display, consisting of numerous objects, partly spatial representations and pictorial and documentary material, presents local lifestyles from prehistory to the mid 20th century. The permanent display is introduced by a 15 minute film “The Images of Bela Krajina”. Metlika Castle also features the Gangl Gallery for temporary exhibitions, which is part of Bela krajina Museum Metlika.

"VINSKA VIGRED" EVENT The event Vinska vigred is taking place every year on the third weekend in May in the old town core of Metlika, which consists of squares Mestni trg, Trg svobode and Partizanski trg. Each location has its own stage, which hosts a rich cultural programme and ensures a vibrant and relaxing evening. The event represents the greatest viticultural tourist manifestation in Slovenia. “Vinska vigred” among other things also offers wine tastings of prized wines on different stalls and in the castle cellar (wine testing takes place in April), various exhibitions, performances of numerous folkore groups, singing groups and bands. Members of the Rural Women Association prepare an exhibition of culinary jewels and bake the flat cake “belokranjska pogača”every day of the event. Of course, you can also have a taste of other local culinary specialities (roasted lambs and suckling pigs). The castle yard offers home cottage industry and artistic products. One can also visit the Belokranjski museum, Slovene Firebrigade Museum, Kambič Gallery, wine cellar and shops Beti and Komet. There is also a fun fair behind the castle for the young ones.

WINE TOURIST ROAD Along this road one can visit wine shops, wine growers, tourist farms, accommodation facilities, beekeepers, etc. In addition to the tasting of selected sorts of Bela krajina wines, particularly “belokranjec” and “metliška črnina”, you can also have a taste of the local flat cake. Still warm “pogača” tastes best in the autumn time, when the fruits of the vine turn into vintage wines. You can take a ride across viny hills by bus, by car or even by environmentally-friendly horse carriage. Those who love to exercise can take a bike or perhaps simply walk between vineyards and vineyard cottages. The area of Drašiči yearly offers a whole-day tour along eight vineyard cottages. Wine, the central theme of the visit along the wine road, is at the same time the guiding element of the most famous tourist and wine event in Slovenia called “Vinska vigred”, which takes place in Metlika every May. But a very vibrant time is brought by St. Martin, »who creates wine out of must«. Consequenty, every bigger settlement in Bela krajina organizes “martinovanje”, the baptising of the new wine. There are various other forms of celebrating our wine patron, who is soon followed by St. Urban, the patron of vine. However, we cannot talk about the quality, were it not for the competitive spirit among many wine growers. Various local testings and testings on the state level have given drive to currently acknowledged winegrowers, who undoubtedly gave their share to the recognition of the region.