Beauty comes from the eyes of the beholder. It is very subjective in nature and is based on the intimate experience of the individual. We perceive it on the outside, but its power comes from within. To cultivate it, it is necessary to constantly maintain a beautiful mind and good health.
Let's take care of the first one ourselves and have a positive attitude towards the new day, while the healers from Stiška monastery. The initiator of the study of medicinal plants was a well-known father Simon Asič, who started to develop this science already during the Second World War. His herbal activity was initially limited only to the needs of the monastery. It's over time Contact began to become an important healing center, and Father Ašič became known as the "dohtar of distress". But prevention is always better than cure, so let's be responsible for our health, even before the first signs of physical imbalance appear. Let's drive towards Dolenjska, pass by Grosuplje, to Stička, where we will see the oldest Slovenian monastery, which acquired the status of an important religious, cultural and economic center of Dolenjska. Monastic architecture includes a regular church, Neff Abbey, large courtyard, chapel of St. Paul and other buildings. It is also interesting to see the meditative park, the granary, the garden shed, and you can visit the Museum of Christianity in Slovenia. Finally, let's stop by their home pharmacy and look around at the rich range of herbs, ointments, tinctures and other things created according to Simon Ašič's recipes.
From the spring through the rapids to the spring
And then on, to the place where the green beauty originates. By Ivančne Gorica, via Sludges to Krška villages, where the signposts will lead us to the source of the Krka. Immediately above the spring is an underground cave called Karst cave, also extremely interesting to watch. But if we drive to Žužemberka, we will witness its first waterfall, which is only 5 m high, but very extensive and varied. The next stop should be made at the village of Budganja, where we can find characteristic tussock rapids and waterfalls up to 1 meter high, and at the same time we can see the mill, another feature of the area Krka valley. Beautiful tufa rapids and waterfalls are also located in Dvoru na Krka, which are worth seeing for their diversity. Then we drive to the health center of Dolenjska Toplica, where we immerse ourselves in the bubbles of the thermal springs. Thermal water in Dolenjske Toplice it is an isoacratotherm, slightly mineralized, and has the temperature of the human body. It is best suited for the treatment of locomotor sis disease - darkness and injuries, but even if we do not suffer from any of the injuries, our body will be grateful for this kind of pampering. And if we didn't stop at one of the inns on the way, you can go to Gostilna Rog, just a few steps away from the spa, to order selected homemade food and enjoy a rich selection of premium wines.
With a gem in hand
Now it's easier to continue our journey to the capital of Dolenjska, New city, which lies in the middle of a hilly landscape in the river bend of the Krka river. Its old town center stands on a rocky limestone peninsula. It is washed by the slow Krka, which flows here in three consecutive river bends. There are three piers between them. The town stands on the most prominent middle pier, while the other two, which are overgrown with forest, now have a sports and recreational role. The highest point of the peninsula with the city center is Kapiteljski hrib (202 m), which descends steeply to the southwest towards Krka. The famous was created here Breg, one of the most picturesque parts of the city, so let's not miss the opportunity when we are in this area and walk around the city center. Let's go to the cafe for a coffee Main market, and then let's think about going to the nearby hill, Triska mountain (428 m). This is one of the nearby sights, which is adorned with the pilgrimage church of the Nativity of Mary. The mountain is surrounded by vineyards and masonry on all sides and offers a beautiful view of the Cvička valley. If we run out of energy for the climb, we drive to Otočec, where we Otočec Castle offer unforgettable experiences. With its originally renovated ambience in the spirit of Gothic and Renaissance, we can feel the spirit of the past, subtly intertwined with the rhythm of modernity. Embraced by the mighty castle walls, located in the heart of unspoilt nature, they make time stand still, so let's consider extending our adventure to another day. We will enjoy breakfast in bed, a massage bath or a refreshing tropical shower in the spacious bathroom, a gourmet dinner with selected wine by candlelight or a glass of sparkling wine while the fire crackles in the fireplace. Those of you who manage to resist this tempting offer, slowly turn towards home, and the rest of you, without a bad conscience, stay until the next day, because life is short...
Information:
CISTERCIAN ABBEY STIČNA – Stična 17, Ivančna Gorica, (01) 787 71 00
TERME DOLENJSKE TOPLICE – Zdraviliški trg 7, Dolenjske Toplice, (07) 391 94 00
HOSTELNA ROG – (07) 39 19 412
KAVARNA GLAVNI TRG – Glavni trg 11, Novo mesto, (07) 332 15 51
HOTELS OTOČEC – Grajska cesta 2, Otočec, (07) 38 48 600
