In this region, the source of beekeeping knowledge
is, without doubt, the Grm Secondary School of Agriculture
near Novo Mesto, where numerous young people learn about
bees and develop their interest in working with them. The western slopes of the Gorjanci Hills are
rich in chestnut trees, which are an inexhaustible source of bitter
but highly valued chestnut honey. In addition, one must
not overlook the beekeeping practiced for several centuries
by the monks at the Carthusian Pleterje Monastery |
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This is a picturesque hilly region, intertwined with rivers and
covered with forests, and rich in thermal springs and
health resorts. It is adorned by winegrowing hills, on
top of which little churches, castles, mansions, and monasteries
stand, or their summits are
covered with extensive forests. This idyll is accentuated by the gentle
banks of the Krka River, its picturesque rapids, and natural dams.
This impression is rounded off by the jocular and hospitable people, who produce a unique wine called Cviček.
Bee stings are generally not dangerous to humans. The
stung spot turns red, swells a bit, and hurts a few minutes
after the sting, but all these symptoms usually
disappear within two days. Unfortunately, an increasing number of people are allergic to insect stings, and
even a single sting may prove fatal to them. Every person
should know whether he or she belongs to the small group
of people for whom bee stings may be dangerous. Anyone
can perform an allergy test on their own by catching a
bee from a flower and being stung on the hand, for example. Preferably,
this should be done in the presence of a doctor or at
least near a health facility. People allergic to bee stings
should always carry prescription pills or injections with
them, to be used in the event of an emergency. All
beekeepers that wish to take part in tourism activities must
be aware of these issues. They should have a sufficient
amount of protective hats and gloves available at home
if they plan to take visitors near the bees. |
BEEKEEPING POINTS OF INTEREST
* Andreja Stankovič’s Bee Farm and Handicrafts in Novo Mesto welcomes visitors to see its
beekeeping activities and the production of ceramic honey pots. They also organize
workshops for young people;
* The Grm Secondary School of Agriculture near Novo Mesto and a visit to the school’s bee house;
* Visit the Šentjernej Beekeepers’ Association;
* Visit the Dolenjske Toplice Beekeepers’ Association
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HIGHLY RECOMENDED
Novo Mesto: the capital of Lower Carniola,
which lies at a bend in the Krka River. You can take a
walk through the old town past the Main Square, and visit
the Chapter Church of
St. Nicholas or the Franciscan church and its monastery, the old
lyceum, and conclude your walk at the house where the painter
Božidar Jakac was born and which houses a gallery presenting the original works that he donated to the town;
Otočec Castle: a castle standing on
an island in the middle of the Krka River. You can take
a tour of this beautiful Renaissance and Baroque building,
where the countess herself may
offer you some Cviček and cake;
Kostanjevica na Krki: the Slovenian
Venice. Here you can have a tour around Lower Carniola’s
smallest and oldest town, as well as visit the Forma Viva
sculpture park in front of
Kostanjevica Castle;
Pleterje: a Carthusian monastery at
the foot of the Gorjanci Hills, surrounded by a mighty
wall that protects the peace and quiet of the monastery
from the outer world. Here you
can see an outdoor museum and a potter’s workshop. A multimedia presentation
provides information on the history
and life of the monks living in this monastery, who are well known
for their herbal drinks, Pleterje brandy, and other souvenirs available at their small shop. |
