An interesting blend of high architecture and locally derived styles of the 19^th century is typical of Ilirska Bistrica, with numerous imposing merchant, business and government buildings scattered around the town. Two examples of such urban design are the Town Palace, which employs the Venetian style, and the Schönburg Palace for forestry management, which was built by the Schönburg Waldenburg family and still houses the local court. Behind the palaces, extensive botanical gardens sprawl, designed by naturalist and forestry expert Viljem Kindler.