Scofja Loka, Mestni trg with townhouses, northwest Slovenia.

Getty Images/Dorling Kindersley

Mestni Trg

Top choice in The Julian Alps


The group of pastel-hued 16th-century burghers' houses on this main square have earned the town the nickname 'Colourful Loka'. Almost every one is of historical and architectural importance, but arguably the most impressive is Homan House, dating from 1511 with graffiti and bits of frescoes of St Christopher and of a soldier.

Another building to look out for is the former Town Hall, remarkable for its three-storey Gothic courtyard and the 17th-century frescoes on its facade. Further south, 17th-century Martin House leans on part of the Old Town wall. It has a wooden 1st floor, a late-Gothic portal and a vaulted entrance hall.


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Nearby The Julian Alps attractions

1. Plague Pillar

0.03 MILES

The plague pillar, near the centre of Mestni trg, was erected in 1751.

2. Homan House

0.03 MILES

Almost every building on Mestni trg is of historical and architectural importance, but arguably the most impressive is Homan House, dating from 1511 with…

3. Former Town Hall

0.03 MILES

On Mestni trg, look out for the former Town Hall, remarkable for its stunning three-storey Gothic courtyard and the 17th-century frescoes on its facade.

4. Parish Church of St James

0.04 MILES

The town's most important church dates back to the 13th century, with key features like the nave, the presbytery with star vaulting (1524) and the tall…

5. Spodnji Trg

0.06 MILES

The large square to the east of Mestni trg was where the poorer folk lived in the Middle Ages. The 16th-century Granary at the square's northern end, is…

6. Loka Museum

0.07 MILES

The town's premier sight is the commanding Loka castle, overlooking the settlement from a grassy hill west of Mestni trg. It dates from the 13th century…

7. Granary

0.09 MILES

The 16th-century granary at Spodnji trg's northern end is where the town's grain stores, collected as taxes, were once kept.

8. France Mihelič Gallery

0.09 MILES

Over two floors in the granary house you'll find the France Mihelič Gallery, which displays the works of the eponymous artist born in nearby Virmaše in…

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