House of Living Heritage

Šmarješke Toplice is a small spa village in Lower Carniola, south-east of Novo Mesto, set among vineyards, meadows and woods, and the House of Living Heritage is the place where its natural and cultural history is brought together for visitors. The name expresses the idea that heritage is not only a matter of old objects in glass cases but also of skills, stories, tastes and traditions that people still practise, and the centre is designed to be interactive, with exhibitions, workshops and events for all ages. It acts as a meeting point for the community and a starting point for exploring the surrounding area.

The main exhibition follows the story of people and nature in the region from prehistoric times to the present. Dolenjska is rich in archaeology: the nearby town of Novo Mesto is known for Iron Age finds, including the decorated bronze buckets called situlae, and the hills around Šmarješke Toplice have yielded remains from several periods. The archaeological section presents this early history through finds and explanations, helping visitors to see the place as one that has been inhabited for thousands of years. Other displays look at daily life, farming and food, with a particular emphasis on winegrowing, which is central to the identity of the region, whose signature wine is the light red cviček.

Wine is one of the central themes. The centre has a modern laboratory in which the science of winemaking is explained, showing how grapes become wine and how tasters and chemists judge quality, and guests can see how traditional knowledge and modern techniques work together. Hands-on activities are a highlight, including culinary workshops in which visitors prepare traditional dishes, and a creative room with ethnological activities, rotating exhibitions and programmes for children. A hall in the centre is used for film screenings and talks, and it is named after a local historian whose research helped to document the area's past.

The centre fits into a wider visit to Šmarješke Toplice. The wine fountain, Izvir cvička, offers tastings of local wine, the Šmarješke Toplice Lesen Bazen is a historic wooden pool, and the Crystal Valley, Klevevška Toplica, a warm spring, and Radulja Gorge are nearby sights for walkers. The Vineyards, Meadows, and Forests around the village are ideal for a walk or bicycle ride. Opening hours and workshop schedules vary, so it is wise to contact the centre in advance, especially for groups, and to book culinary workshops ahead.