THE MIDDLE AGES OF BELA KRAJINA
Bela krajina was under the Croatian authority as far as 12th century. Albert Višnjegorski broke into and took over Bela krajina from the Croatians. The goal of his invasion was also to occupy land in Croatia, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Therefore, the Kolpa river became a boundary line between Kranjska and Croatia.
The founding documents of the Črnomelj parish were written and signed in Latin on the 18th October 1228. Metlika, Podzemelj, Semič and Vinica were added as well.
Metlika started its rise in 14th century, and became the centre of 'Slovenska marka'. As result most traffic ran from Novo mesto to Metlika.
The headquarters of the Bela krajina were in Črnomelj. They built their own building called 'komenda' where a guard 'komendator' and the knights lived.However, not many peole lived in Bela krajina.
Except for Črnomelj which must have become a square between years 1228 and 1277 there was not any other bigger settlement in Bela krajina. However, Črnomelj and Metlika recieved town rights in 15th century, tha main reason begin the defence of the area.As a result they have their own mark and seal.