| Brežice | |
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| — Town and Municipality — | |
| Main Street in Brežice | |
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Brežice
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Slovenia |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Ivan Molan |
| Area | |
| • Total | 268.1 km2 (103.5 sq mi) |
| Population (2002)[1] | |
| • Total | 24,483 |
| • Density | 91.3/km2 (236.5/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+01) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+02) |
| Website | www.brezice.si |
| Source: Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, census of 2002. | |
Brežice (German: Rann) is a city and municipality in eastern Slovenia in the Lower Sava Valley, near the Croatian border. The area was traditionally divided between Lower Styria (territory on the left bank of the Sava River) and Lower Carniola (territory on the right bank of the Sava River). The whole municipality is now included in the Lower Sava Statistical Region.[2]
Brežice is one of the largest municipalities in Slovenia. It lies at the confluence of the Sava and Krka rivers and also stands at the junction of a number of international traffic routes. Brežice prides itself on a rich historical and cultural heritage. The Lower Sava Valley Museum (Slovene: Posavski muzej Brežice), housed in Brežice Castle, contains archaeological and ethnological exhibits, exhibits on the Croatian and Slovenian peasant revolt, and a modern history collection. It is one of the largest regional museums in the country. A more recent landmark addition to the town is its water tower, as well as the double arches of the 527 m long iron bridge, which spans the Sava and Krka rivers.
The area's many hot springs have contributed to the development of the largest natural spa and the second largest tourist center in Slovenia, Čateške Toplice (the Terme Čatež Thermal Health Resort).[3] Brežice also offers visitors recreation and entertainment, as well as sports including hunting and fishing. The surrounding hills are ideal for fruit growing and viticulture. The vineyards of the Bizeljsko and Pišece districts are renowned for their top-quality wines.
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Brežice Castle is the dominant feature of the town, standing above the left bank of the Sava. It is now a museum housing several collections and exhibitions.
In the chapel of the castle there is an altar by Luka Mislej.
The Brežice Water Tower is the most prominent structure in the town.
The Brežice Upper Secondary School (Slovene: Gimnazija Brežice) opened in 1945, built on the site of a Franciscan monastery. The school was renovated in 1966, when an extension was also added. 690 students attend the school. Gimnazija Brežice
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