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Welcome
to Metlika community
 Bela krajina is situated at the southeasternmost
end of Slovenia, which also includes the southernmost point of the country –
the village Kot near Vinica. Entering Bela krajina one is instantly swept away
by the view of the lively karstic flatland, which is surrounded by higher karstic
units: Gorjanci, Kočevski Rog and Poljanska gora. If one looks upon the region’s
flat area from higher edges, it appears as a monotonous landscape with isolated
hills in the distance. However, driving through Bela krajina one can immediately
notice its great variety. The region has 596 square kilometres of land, and lies
approximately 232,3 m above sea level. Bela krajina has 226 settlements with
somewhat more than 26.000 inhabitants. Thanks to its relatively warm climate
Bela krajina has a relatively high precipitation, but the quantities inside the
region vary considerably. It has a continental climate with long, warm summers
and cold winters, but one can also feel the Mediterranean influence. Average
yearly temperature is 10.5°C, average highest temperature is 15.7°C and the average
lowest temperature is 5.9 °C.
Firn areas are typical for Bela krajina; these areas
alternate with cultural and forest areas, white birch and juniper. Another attractive
element of the
region’s natural appearance is the vineyards, which are usually situated some
400 – 450 m above sea level, above the limit of heat inversion.
The following industries were of major importance in the past: metal processing,
wood processing, food and textile industries. In addition to the total economic
development, Bela krajina has also taken a turn towards the development of
tourism. Tourism serves as a metaphore for life, because it includes acknowledged
hospitality and frankness of local people, and this surely stresses great tourist
availability for groups and individuals.
Bela krajina has a rich cultural heritage,
which nourishes many folk dances, customs and rituals, which are brought to
life through various traditional
events. In this aspect we must stress home cottage industry and people’s tradition,
which is still preserved and nurtured by certain individuals and associations.
Painted Easter eggs “belokranjske pisanice” are famous far and wide, as well
as “drsanke” and embroidery work of Bela krajina, which give extra value to
the region. Cottage industry products and souvenirs can also be bought on various
locations throughout Bela krajina, as well as on all three Tourist Information
Centres (TIC) in the region.
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 29th ,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. |
| contact |
Občina Metlika
Mestni trg 24
p.p. 38
8330 Metlika
tel. ++386 7 30 63 100
E-mail:
obcina.metlika@siol.net |
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