Crnomelj

Črnomelj sits inside a tight loop of the Lahinja on a rock spur, a defensive position used since prehistory and fortified against Ottoman raiding in the fifteenth century. Roman and early medieval remains have been dug under the present streets and are shown in situ under the church. Since 1964 the town has held Jurjevanje each June, the oldest folklore festival in the country, built around the Green George rites that mark the start of the growing season in White Carniola.

What you actually see

• The river loop - a spur enclosed on three sides by a meander of the Lahinja.
• Jurjevanje - the country's oldest folklore festival, held each June.
• The archaeology under the church - Roman and early medieval remains shown in situ.
• The commandery - the old Teutonic Order building in the town centre.

When to go

June for Jurjevanje, which is the main reason to come. April to October otherwise. Winter is quiet and much is closed.

Honest expectations

Outside festival time the town is quiet with little for visitors. The in-situ archaeology has restricted opening. White Carniola is remote and public transport is slow.

Nearby

Metlika is east, and the Kolpa is south.