RADOVLJICA MUNICIPALITY IN BRIEF

 

Municipal centre:                      Radovljica, administrative, cultural, educational and business centre

Area:                                       118,71 km2, 52 settlements

Population:                              18.349 inhabitants

Height above sea level:             491 m

The highest peak:                     Begunjščica, 2060 m (the Karavanken Alps)

Municipality Days:                   5. August

On August 5^th 1941 Cankarjev bataljon (Cankar’s battalion) was founded near Radovljica.

On December 11^th Anton Tomaž Linhart (1756 – 1795) was born in Radovljica. He set the foundations of Slovenian drama, theatre and critical historiography.

 

 

 

Between the vast fields on the northeast side and the river Sava on southwest lays a quiet town Radovljica. Here you will not find luxurious hotels and overpriced stores nor heavy traffic. Instead you will meet welcoming people in a peaceful atmosphere.

 

History books mention Radovljica for the very first time in 1296 and it was unequivocally a medieval market place in 1343. Here is also the birthplace of the first true Slovenian playwright Anton Tomaž Linhart, who lived at the end of 18th century and can be easily put aside the most prominent drama names at that time with his comedy Županova Micka (The Mayor’s Micka).

 

In the Linhartov trg - rectangular market place of the old town, some classic examples of old town architecture are preserved, which place Radovljica among the most important cultural monuments in Slovenia.

 

The Museum of Apiculture is placed in the baroque manor house. It displays an essential part of Slovenian history and culture in general – the rich tradition of beekeeping. Due to the Apicultural Museum, the Art Gallery Šivec House, the early music Festival Radovljica, the summer festivities Radolško poletje and Linhart’s festivities in December Radovljica established its reputation as a town of culture.

 

 

 

With its sunny position and healthy subalpine climate Radovljica municipality is also a renowned place of relaxation, memorable views and sports activities. There are a lot of well-maintained footpaths for endless walks just outside the town. For more sporty types there are several rafting centres on river Sava or a rise Sveti Peter (Saint Peter). Starting-point for the rise and for Begunjščica – the highest peak in the municipality, is from Begunje na Gorenjskem (north from Radovljica). If you are an opportunity mountaineer, you can climb many other mountains, which can be seen on a cloudless day.

 

In the vicinity of the village Begunje na Gorenjskem lie remains of grad Kamen (Stone castle) with the surrounding legend of unbeatable knight Lambergar, who lived in Middle Ages and was the European Champion of knight tournaments in his times. The Museum of Hostages in Begunje is an authentic memento of horrors of the II. World War. Begunje is also the cradle of the famous Avsenik brothers, their music and their band.

 

 

Brezje, the heart of Slovene pilgrimage, are just a few miles northeast of Radovljica. Franciscans are caretakers of the basilica Marija Pomagaj (Maria Aid Us), with the sacred portrait of St. Mary and God’s Child at the altar, which was visited by pope John Paul II in 1996.

 

A sport airport “Alpski letalski center” near Lesce (a five minute drive from Radovljica) offers a panoramic flight or a parachute jump for adrenaline seekers. Further towards Bled you will find one of the most beautiful auto-camps in Slovenia and Europe – Šobec set in a splendid pine forest between a lake and the river Sava.

 

 

On the south just over the river Sava high wooded plateau Jelovica offers various hiking routes and mountain bike rides in the forests. Embeded in a narrow glen below the slopes of Jelovica there is an old smelting and iron forging settlement, a place of old iron foundries and wrought iron Kropa. The Iron Forging Museum in Kropa is the historical museum of the iron manufacture, as well as the survey of economic, social, demographic and cultural development in Kropa and in the neighbouring villages.

 

 

Traffic connections in Radovljica municipality are in general very good, although the motorway past the town is not finished yet. Central geographical position and traffic connections make Radovljica also a natural starting point for visiting neighbouring places and sights like Bled, Bohinj and Kranjska gora.