4 Best Sights in Slovenia

Its color may now garner more attention than its history, but Ljubljana's famous Pink Church has plenty of stories waiting within. A High Baroque beauty built in the middle of the 17th century, the church flourished a century later under the watchful eye of the Franciscans, who decided to paint it red (hence the faded pink of today). The church's prime location on the city's main square makes it a prominent meeting point for people of all ages today.

This proud Baroque cathedral overlooking the daily market on Vodnikov trg is dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of fishermen and boatmen who created a powerful guild in medieval Ljubljana. The building took place between 1701 and 1708 under the Italian architect Andrea Pozzo, who modeled it after the church of Il Gesù in Rome. The magnificent frescoes on the ceiling of the nave are by the Lombard painter Giulio Quaglio and depict the transfiguration of St. Nicholas and the persecution of Christians under Diocletian and Nero. In honor of Pope John Paul II's visit in 1996, bronze doors were added to the church. The main entrance tells the story of Christianity in Slovenia, whereas the side door shows the history of the Ljubljana diocese.

Hidden behind the 16th-century defensive walls of this small town is the tiny Romanesque Cerkev sveti Trojice (Church of the Holy Trinity). The interior is decorated with a remarkable series of frescoes, including the bizarre Dance Macabre, completed in 1490. The church is locked, but if you ask in the village, the locals will gladly open it for you. Alternatively, you can make arrangements to visit at the tourism booth in Koper beforehand. From Koper, take the main road toward Ljubljana, then follow the signs for Hrastovlje, 22 km (14 miles) from Koper.

On the eastern bank of Lake Bohinj in Ribčev Laz, you'll find the 15th-century Gothic church of Sveti Janez. The small church has a fine bell tower and contains several notable 15th- and 16th-century frescoes.