Radovljica – a town full of history, beauty and charm

The aim of this post is to get you excited about visiting a small Slovenian town of Radovljica (sometimes shortened to Radol’ca). Radovljica is located just a short drive from the famous Lake Bled. It has one of the most charming Old Town centres in Slovenia and also one of the most preserved ones. Some houses are dating from the 14th and 15th century.

Scenic views of the Alps are included in your visit.

Radovljica, it feells so good to be here!

Before walking into the Radovljica Old Town there is a bit of an exciting choice. It is possible to either enter through the one-time Upper Town Gate or use the only preserved moat tunnel in Slovenia from the late middle ages. Well,  the moat tunnel it is for us!

Radovljica contains the only still-existing moat in all of Slovenia:

Once on the main square, the colourful facades of the Old Town cheerfully radiate in the bright summer sun. The main Linhartov trg square is calling to be explored and enjoyed.

It’s really good to be here taking in all this splendidness.

Every Old Town House is special

We stop by the Radovljica Tourist Information Office just before the town square for a map. Here they help us identify the important historic buildings. They also supply us with Radovljica & Surroundings mini guide and a Tourist Guide of Radovljica.

We are all set for a travel back in time, while also visiting some of the town’s finest inns – with one dating back to 1822. But we will leave this for a bit later …

Let’s walk through the Old Town first!

First mention of Radovljica as a market town was in 1333. It became a town-on-record at the end of the 15th century. You will be happy to learn that much of the original architecture is still standing.  It looks almost unchanged from those early days.

Possibly the most important house on Linhartov trg is the Šivec House. It’s a rare example of an entirely preserved gothic-renaissance building from the 16th century (Renaissance on the outside and Gothic within). On the ground floor is a vaulted hall, which now serves as a gallery (changing exhibitions).

Old Town’s Linhart Square got its name after Radovljica’s native Anton Tomaz Linhart (1756 – 1795).  Slovenian playwright and historian is best known as the author of the first comedy and theatrical play in general in Slovene, Županova Micka (Micka, the Mayor’s Daughter). 

Walking down the Old Town main street you will also pass the baroque Manor House which now among other also houses the Apicultural Museum. One of the largest attractions however is the Church of St Peter (pictured above).  The church is adorned by gorgeous vaults, an angel star, and a black marble altar.

A little green alien on the corner of “Nostalgia” shop and trumpets on the wall – this is also Radovljica!

The Gingerbread Museum & Shop

»Lectarstvo« is an old and renowned traditional handicraft of Slovenia. In the old days, a so called Lect Heart was a special romantic gift. A sort of an “engagement ring” given as a proposal and promise of marriage. The shape of the honey bread could also be a little toy or a horse,  usually given to a child for birthday.

Today, honey-bread products are precious souvenirs from Slovenia! In the Live Gingerbread Museum in Radovljica visitors can watch the making of this kind of bread and its decoration. The Lect Hearts come in various sizes.

The bakery’s workshop is in the basement of Gostilna Lectar, where women in traditional costume show how to bake gingerbread with historical tools and equipment. A restaurant is on the ground floor.

Gostilna Lectar Inn opened its doors to the public in 1822 on the premises of a chandlery and bakery. It’s one of the oldest inns in the region. Check out its history here, and stop for a drink or lunch after visiting the downstairs Ginger Bread Museum.

They also rent rooms, with furniture in a traditional Slovene style.

The Avguštin Inn  for  wine & views 

The town of RadovIljica has so many interesting things to see and learn about. Therefore, it would be pity not to put it on your map while visiting Bled or Bohinj. Also, since it’s so close to Lake Bled (only about 6 km away), which in the summer months is overflown with tourists, you may want to consider staying in a quiet small town like Radovljica.

Most might be also happy to hear that Radovljica has the highest amount of sunny days in the entire Gorenjska region.

After all, having dinner or just sipping wine on a terrace of Gostilna Avguštin Inn is definitely another highlight for most travellers who know how to fully enjoy life!

If you like our Slovenia local travel tips, you can support Let’s Go Slovenia travel blog. Enjoy Slovenia!