Crnomelj

Črnomelj sits inside a tight loop of the Lahinja on a rock spur, a defensive position used since prehistory, walled in late Roman times and in the sixteenth century a supply centre for the frontier against the Ottomans. 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.

History

Settlement here goes back to the late Bronze Age. The town is first recorded in 1228, as Schirnomel, in a charter of the Patriarch of Aquileia, had market rights before 1277 and is called a town in 1407; in the 16th century it was a supply centre for the military frontier, a role it lost when Karlovac was founded in 1579 (Wikipedia, Črnomelj).

What's there

• 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.

Practical notes

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.

Key facts