Melania's Slovenian roots: From novo mesto to Sevnica
Although it is not a large metropolis, Novo Mesto is one of Slovenia's more interestingly located towns. With its center occupying a small peninsula, it is a place that Slovenians, Croatians (who live nearby), and Americans have certainly heard of. This is where Melania Trump is from.
Novo Mesto lies on the Krka River. Its center—the old town—is located on a small hill, at the top of which stands the Gothic St. Nicholas Church. It is surrounded by medieval walls from the 14th century.
Nearby is the Smarjenske Thermal Spas, where thermal waters were discovered 200 years ago.
This is where Melania Trump grew up
Although the birthplace of Melanija Knavs (later Melania Trump) is charming and is visited by American tourists seeking traces of the former First Lady of the United States in Slovenia, it is not their first choice.
More people choose Sevnica as their travel destination, where she grew up. The town, located in the Alps near Ljubljana, is surrounded by picturesque green hills and vineyards. The old part is dominated by the Sevnica Castle, standing atop Castle Hill. New districts stretch along the hills to the Sava Valley.
Sevnica experienced a real surge in 2017 when Donald Trump, Melania’s husband, became the president of the USA. Tourists and journalists from all over the world, especially America, suddenly began showing interest in this charming part of Slovenia. On-site, they found not only stories about young Melania but also beautiful views and numerous attractions. The area appeals with splendid landscapes, medieval monuments, and excellent wine. "Welcome to the homeland of the new First Lady of the United States of America" could be read at the time on a portal promoting Slovenia's values.
Local tourist offices still offer "Melania Trump tours" today, during which you can visit the places where she lived, studied, and worked before she went abroad.
Monument to Melania
There is a wooden statue in the city in honor of Melania. The original was created in 2019, and a year later it was set on fire on July 4th, 2020. A new wooden monument was erected in the same place two months later. It is a replica, and next to it is an expressive inscription: "This monument is dedicated to the eternal memory of the Melania monument that stood in this place."
The original was painted light blue, intended to resemble the coat the First Lady wore during Donald Trump's presidential inauguration in January 2017.
