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Church · Novo mesto, Jugovzhodna Slovenija
Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Novo mesto)
A Gothic church at the highest point of Novo mesto’s old town, cathedral since 2006, with a Saint Nicholas altarpiece painted by Tintoretto around 1582 and a tower with a viewpoint over the Krka.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Novo mesto)
The Church of Saint Nicholas occupies Kapiteljski grič, the highest hill of Novo mesto’s old town, on a bend of the Krka. It is the oldest building in the city and one of Slovenia’s best-known Gothic churches. The first church dates from the early 14th century, and the present Gothic form from the 15th century. In 1493 it gained a chapter of canons, and for centuries it was therefore known as the chapter church. In 2006, with the creation of the Diocese of Novo mesto, it became a cathedral.
The Gothic interior houses a crypt beneath the presbytery. The church’s treasure is the main altarpiece, which depicts Saint Nicholas and was painted around 1582 by the Venetian Tintoretto. The work was restored in 2009.
The renovated tower is open to visitors: there are 126 steps to the viewpoint, offering views over the old town, the Krka and the Dolenjska hills. On the way up you can see the old clock mechanism, formerly driven by stone weights.
Beside the cathedral, the Šance, restored sections of the old city wall, form a walking path with views over the river.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to an hour, including the climb of the tower.
Best time
Choose a clear day to climb the tower. The interior is best seen outside of religious services. The tower has its own opening hours; confirm at the tourist information centre.
How to get there
You can reach Kapiteljski grič in a few minutes, leaving from the main square or from the Dolenjska Museum.
Tip
Tower tickets can be purchased at the tourist information centre on the main square. After the visit, walk along the Šance to see the Krka from above.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Novo mesto)
What is special about Novo mesto’s cathedral?
The main altarpiece depicting Saint Nicholas, painted by Tintoretto around 1582, and the Gothic architecture on the city’s highest point.
Can the tower of Novo mesto cathedral be visited?
Yes. There are 126 steps to the viewpoint, with views over the old town and the Krka. The tower has its own opening hours; confirm before you go.
Since when has the Church of Saint Nicholas been a cathedral?
Since 2006, when the Diocese of Novo mesto was created. Before that it was known as the chapter church.