Metlika is the second largest town and the third largest municipality in Bela krajina. It is a place rich with history. It was first mentioned in 1228 as Metlica. It was already settled in prehistoric times. In the 15th and 16th century it was a frequent target for the Ottoman Empire raids. Metlika castle was built in the 15th century.

The first school in Metlika was established in the 16th century, by that time Metlika was also a free trade market for books. In 1850 the first town band was created, 1865 a national reading room was created. Metlika is the home of the first Slovenian volunteer fire brigade, established in 1869. After WW1 Metlika got its first water supply, electricity, and a steel bridge over the Kolpa river. Before WW2 it became an important cultural center. During WW2, after Italy capitulated Metlika, with the rest of Bela krajina became a free territory and continued the fight against the enemy. In 1944 Metlika got its first Gymnasium. After the war, Metlika grew rapidly and became the center for the textile industry. Metlika is the vine center of Bela krajina.