Sweet Sightseeing in Radovljica

The small town of Radovljica is a well hidden Slovenian gem, located at an altitude of 491 meters. The town has had a long tradition of being one of the sweetest places in the country – honey production and chocolate industry have been important for centuries. And the dishes always just a bit sweeter than anywhere else!

Radovljica was once a very important medieval town, with a nice castle, main square and colourful town houses. In the 15-16th century, when the Turks attacked the town, citizens dug a big town moat for protection. Interestingly, this moat still exists today and it is the only preserved town moat in Slovenia!

From medieval tradition to a famous writer and delicious dishes

The main Square (also named Linhart Square) in the centre of the town is the most recognized part of Radovljica. It is surrounded by beautiful town houses and it leads right to the castle and the church of St. Peter. The castle was built in the 13th century and was later renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Most of the preserved town houses originated in the 16th century. This part of Radovljica is called the Old Town and it was the first town in Slovenia to be declared an important cultural and historical monument and put under national protection.

Radovljica is often called the Town of Linhart because Anton Tomaž Linhart was born here in 1756. Linhart is considered one of the most important writers in Slovenian history as he was the author of the first dramatic literary text in Slovenian language. His birth house can still be seen today and a monument was placed in the city to honour him. In addition, a school, a park and even the name square were named after him.

Linhart was not the only famous Slovenian born here. Actually, quite a few famous Slovenians called Radovljica their hometown. Architect Ivan Vurnik, poet Ivan Hribovšek, painter Frančišek Karel and beekeepers Avgust Bukovec and Vladislav Rojec, to name just a few, all left an important mark in the development and appearance of the town.

Sightseeing and Eating!

Sightseeing in Radovljica is actually nothing more than just a short walk over the main square, as almost all of the main buildings stand here. You could even do a sightseeing tour while sitting and enjoying a cup of coffee – all you need to do is to look around you!

After, take a short walk towards the castle and be sure not to miss:

LINHRAT SQUARE
Take a walk up and down Linhart Square – enjoy a cup of coffee, relax in the peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful medieval city and admire the views of the beautiful town houses!

RADOVLJICA MANSION
Discover the history and traditions of Radovljica in museums that are housed in this beautiful baroque mansion!

CHURCH OF ST. PETER
A great example of Gothic church architecture with hidden parts of old defensive walls will greet visitors at the end of Linhart Square.

Those who want to find out more about the sights in Radovljica can visit the city on Tuesday mornings. A Free sightseeing tour is available for individuals every Tuesday at 10:00 am (at 9:00 in summer months).

The best way to end your sightseeing trip is with a great lunch in one of the local restaurants or by exploring homemade delights at festivals. Traditional dishes you should try here include: buckwheat “žganci” with sour cream, cheese dumplings “štruklji” and sausage with sauerkraut as main dishes and dried fruit, chocolate and desserts for those with a sweet tooth. Chocolate lovers should not miss the Chocolate festival (every year in spring) and the visit to chocolatier Monilet.