The Cathedral of St Nicholas stands on the bluff above the Krka river, its twin spires visible from almost everywhere in the old town. The chapter church dates to the 15th century, though the current building was substantially remodelled in the Baroque period. It is the dominant landmark of Novo Mesto and the view from the terrace below it — across the river and the surrounding wooded hills — is one of the finest in Slovenia.
The interior is worth entering for the Tintoretto altarpiece alone. The painting, depicting St Nicholas, has hung here since the late 16th century and is in remarkable condition. The church also contains fine carved wooden choir stalls and several notable funerary monuments. The cathedral was elevated to its current status when the Diocese of Novo Mesto was established in 1461.