Cerknica is a town, which is located on the northern edge of the Cerknica Lake. It lies by the river Cerkniscica, under the Gradisce, which is the western prominence of the mountain Slivnica. The old town centre, which is called Tabor, is located on the hill round the church of Mary's Birth. The Roman cemetery on Sinja gorica and the-pre historic remains of the walls on Gradisce testify about the early settlement of the town. Cerknica was first mentioned in the year 1040. In the 15th century began the Turkish attacks and the residents were forced to self defence. About that testify the preserved parts of the fortification round the church. These defensive walls are one of the best preserved monuments of that kind in Slovenia. In Cerknica were born the psychiatrist Alfred Senko, the poet Joze Udovic, painter Marko Sustarsic and the composer Fran Gerbic. After them are also named the buildings. In the city you can see the Music School Fran Gerbic, the Library of Joze Udovic, the Culture House, the statue of Martin Krpan, the monument for the National Liberation War and other. Cerknica is in the world best known by the intermittent Cerknica Lake, which lies on the southern side of the city. When is full it covers 24 km2 and is the largest in Slovenia. In Cerknica every year organize the traditional Carnival festivities. For lovers of the mountains is in Cerknica the starting point for the hill Slivnica. Under the top is the Alpine hut. The highest top is Great Slivnica at the 1114 height above sea level.