Lendava Cultural Center and St. Catherine's Church

Lendava lies in the far northeast of Slovenia, in the Prekmurje region close to the Hungarian and Croatian borders, and it is one of the few places in the country where Slovene and Hungarian share equal status. Street signs, schools and public events are bilingual, and the Hungarian minority has a strong cultural presence, which is reflected in the town's buildings. Two of the best places to see this mixture are the Cultural Center and the Church of St. Catherine, which stand within a short walk of one another in the centre.

The Lendava Cultural Center is the work of Imre Makovecz, the Hungarian architect who became famous for his organic style, in which buildings seem to grow out of the ground and borrow forms from trees, animals and the human body. It was completed in the 1990s, and its curving roof, timber structure and unusual silhouette make it unlike any other building in Slovenia. Inside there is a theatre and concert hall, a library and other public rooms, and the programme includes concerts, drama, opera performances and conferences. Both Slovene and Hungarian performers appear, which makes it a real meeting point for the two communities. If you cannot catch a performance, it is still worth walking around the exterior to look at the details.

A short walk away stands the Parish Church of St. Catherine, a Baroque church of the eighteenth century and the main Roman Catholic church of the town. Its elegant belfry and rich main altar are the most noticeable features, and the building is a good example of the Baroque church style that spread across the former Hungarian lands. Statues in the square outside add to the setting. The church is a place of worship, so visit quietly and outside services, and ask locally if you want to see the interior.

Lendava has other sights worth combining. Lendava Castle Museum and Gallery has displays on local history, the Monumental Theater and Hungarian Community Centre show the strength of the minority's cultural life, and the Vinarium Tower on the hill above the town gives a view across the vineyards and the plain towards Hungary and Croatia. St Catherine Parish and the wine hills around the town are good for a gentle walk. Regional food reflects both traditions, with Hungarian-influenced dishes such as goulash and strudel on menus alongside Prekmurje specialities.

It suits architecture lovers, culture fans and anyone interested in the borderland character of Prekmurje. Check event listings if you want to attend a performance. Just a short stroll apart, the two buildings show Lendava’s dual identity. Together they make a rewarding half-day.