Medieval legacy is present in form of castles and monasteries, active and some even open for visitors. Peaceful and contented folk live here, and for good reason too, as the kind countryside has been the mind of Slovenes for centuries. Many giants of Slovene history originated from these places, while many others came here in seek of inspiration including friars. It is an ongoing process. It made the extensive region of south-east core of Slovene language and literature. And it is the wellspring of national identity. White carniola (Bela Krajina) with towns of Metlika and Črnomelj is just across the beautiful Gorjanci Hills and, further up, with the Posavje region, is an area that offers countless opportunities to relax and enjoy, exploring broad forests and groves of birch. For travellers interested in soul of this country this is right place to come. The Lower Sava region (Spodnjeposavska regija), which takes its name from the lower course of the Sava, Slovenia's longest river, is characterised by a wide fertile plain, rounded hills planted with vineyards, hop plantages, extensive forests and several towns and villages containing important cultural sights of interest. Spodnje Posavje opens out before you in a patchwork of legends, castles, towns and rivers that hold the key to history in this area. Lush and green (like the rest of Slovenia), this is the heartland of what forms the Slovene identity.
