To us locals river Mura has great spiritual and symbolic value, and nonetheless it is large water body with life bringin properties as well as destructive force which can make substantial harm when flooding.It connects several municipalities and few CE states and it's natural boundary between different cultures and histories. In our local context: it divides Styria (Štajerska) region with Prlekija sub-region from Prekmurje - and as you look back into past: Prekmurje belonged to Hungarian part of Austro Hungarian empire, while Štajerska was under Austrian part. If somebody has an interest in this subject, there were many articles and books written and can be easily found, as well as Mura is in great detailed researched within its biological, landscape, hydrologic, etc. point of view.If you're on a few days trip to the region your best way to experience Mura will be rafting. Nowsadays...
Miklosic square
by picek
One of three historic town's squares is named upon Fran Miklosic, the lingust from 19th century who had spent many years of his life in Vienna - and he is still considered as one of the greatest men in Slovenian history (for whom detailed list of achievements can be find within internet search or through libraries).Oldest building here is the church of John Baptist, other important ones with original historic architecture will include tax office (belonged to noblemen before nationalisation of property), Municipal governemnt office, Priest office and his residences, residental buildings and offices of business and Ljutomer people. A family of stork had built large nest on the top of chimney at priest hall, a view common to lowland Panonian areas.Have a seat at stairs to the church, while you may enjoy your Rogljicek ice cream from its outlet on the opposite side of a square.
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Grossmann film and wine festival
by picek
A horror-comedy-sci-fi-documentary-experimental-etc, etc low-budget film festival that is! It happens in summer each year and takes almost a week. It is also a great chance to taste delicious (and free) wines from the region and to meet locals and foreigners who come to present movies or to only watch them. Film directors and critics will be around and hold lectures or workshops, interviews. I guess it's currently the most interesting cultural event that takes place in Ljutomer (unless you're more into mainstream music and movies and stuff for general public), accompanied by concerts, wine tasting and workshops related to visual arts.And what great atmosphere then. You know, a little unusual event that is within such rural setting (and mindset). Somewhat refreshing... and explicit. In year (2010) they had displayed costumes from movies done by film professionals on a large group of...
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Janez Krstnik church (John the Baptist church)
by picek
John the Baptist church (cerkev Janeza Krstnika) is the most important church in the municipality. Bell tower and the presbitery were built in 15th century, while the interior and other elements are in the baroque style, designed by Austrian architect in 1688-1690. The church is partly enclosed by high wall with baroque style details and there used to be a graveyard around church, a common thing in the past. Nowsadays there's lawn with trees, quite pleasant place to sit by the church. On the stairs in front of wall there's popular public place for meeting people, wedding participants and sometimes public celebrations (Miklosic square, one of the three in Ljutomer). It holds international festival of choral singing (in summer - august) together with other regional churches.Region was Christianized in 13th century when Salzburger bischops sent their men 'to spread the word' (colonize is...
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Main square
by picek
This is the largest square in Ljutomer, enclosed by one storey buildings in biedermeier style from 19th century and with a plague column in the middle. It has always been place for large or small public festivals, trade fairs and various celebrations since its construction. Civil marriage ceremonies are held in town hall at the square. Part of the place on the square is now small vegetable and fruit market and you can buy some home products from local farmers there.History of the square also tells of public executions - antifascists were hanged on the trees for 3 days for public viewing at the square during the WWII. During socialist era some of the old architecture was replaced by newly (and worse looking comparing to the historical buildings) constructed and then modern shopping centre Blagovnica and the hotel in the similar real-socialist style. Those two buildings still remain there....
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old streets in town
by picek
Talking of town ... there are not only individual historic and cultural buildings of interest, staying and 'living' on their own. There are as well small streets, squares and lanes which can be taken as homogenous entities, worth a walk and admiration as whole. Now in Ljutomer these ancient streets are rare because the historic core had been traditionally very small, but indeed - they exist.This is where life of town should be carrying on with old traditions and craft. Yet... we love the architecture here in those streets, and we love it being preserved - while on the other hand high rents prevent small and friendly business to come in life. That's why, somehow sadly, there are lots of empty places in those old buildings and buildings are left on their own, slowly changing and degrading.On the picture is one of those streets - Cirila Juresa, its facades dating back to Austro-Hungarian...
Rudolf Maister park in Ljutomer
by picek
Now this park looks much nicer than before. It has been renovated and re-opened for public in June 2010, when new paths had been laid and sculpture of General Rudolf Maister - Vojanov was revealed. RM - Vojanov was important historic person in history of Slovenia, he was great fighter/leader of troops for the northern border in WWI, as well as philosopher and poet (you can find more information on the internet). Most of old trees from previous park remained and cast thick shadow, now as well children playground invites mums and dads with kids to sit down. For other people there are benches in quieter part by the path and if you feel to sit down for rest, then park is the best place to relax. Plenty of birds to hear... and if quiet enough one can hear a little noise from the Scavnica stream behind.
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Park of the 1st Slovene Rally in Ljutomer
by picek
The park in Ljutomer is called Park prvega slovenskega tabora or the 'Park of the first Slovenian rally' which is because at that place they held important political meeting in mid 19th century - in 1868. It was to get political parties and people's united to discuss more rights for Slovenian minority at that time in Austro Hungarian empire. The huge oak trees that you can see nowsadays are in this place already more than 150 years ago and still they provide great and dense shadow. Also, in its natural state some are already eaten by bugs but conservation service is trying hard to protect them.A garden with flowers was added recently; it's not really something that needs to be at that place because simple lawn looks much nicer and more natural with those oaks. One side of the park is limited by regulated Scavnica river, and if there was a lot of rain some time the area would be...
Svetinje, the picturesque village in vineyards
by picek
If you make it to Jeruzalem - and there are plenty to reasons for doing so - then just walk or drive a little further to Svetinje. It's tiny little village on the ridge of the hills, vineyards everyhwere around!Less than 10 houses and a church make this village, and a boutique hotel and wine cellar had been built in one of these old houses. Actually it's just a modest and nice and quiet place when there's no grape picking season with some excellent views.I've not heard of public transport to these hills, but if you have a day or two in Ljutomer you can walk. From Ljutomer it's 1 and half or 2 hrs walking, Svetinje is further, maybe another hour from Jeruzalem. Enjoy the wine cellars, stop for lunch or snack - there are few places that have good wine and good (and local, too) food.
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Taste the Wine!
by lotharlerch
Slovenia has in principle three very different wine producing areas. The Goriska Brda in the extreme West of the tiny country which is the immediate neighbour of the famous Collio area in Friuli in Italy. In the austere hills of the Kras (Carso in Itlian) north of Trieste and in the northernmost part of Istria a dark red and rather roughwine of specific charme, the Teran, is produced. And the biggest wine area in Slovenia is in Stajersko, the Slovenian part of Styria.
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