The interesting settlement of Gradec

Another interesting settlement is Gradec, which lies along the Lahinja River and the Metlika-Črnomelj main road.

The village developed around the 13th century and town rights in the 15th century. During the period of Turkish invasions it was encircled with mighty walls. The railway reached the town in 1914.

Semič lies below the south edge of the Gorjanci range. The steep slopes are a colorful mosaic of vineyards and cottages. The remains of Smuk Castle can be found on Sveti Lovrenc (Saint Lavrence hill) above Semič. At Stranska vas near Semič the Krupa River takes it source below a rock wall. Leaving Semič the road leads through Črmošnjiška dolina (Črmošnjice Valley) towards Dolenjske toplice in the Krka River valley.

Along the railway line near the village of Rožanec, between Semič and Črnomelj, are the remains of a Roman temple of the sun god, Mitra. The richest archeological site in Bela Krajina is on Kučer hill above the Kolpa, near Podzemelj. The Bronze and iron objects found here as well as countless other finds testify to the existence of an important settlement on this hill in prehistoric times.

Uf, we did it. Congratulations! You made it through. Was it tough? We hope not. See you later tourist around the World.

From Gradec back to Kocevska region