The most beautiful religious buildings Slovenia

The climb is steep from the city centre. However, the difference in altitude makes it possible to reach this church at the top of a hill in about thirty minutes. When the weather is mild, the view of Idrija and the surrounding mountains invites contemplation. The church itself is no longer open to visitors, but it reminds us that the patron saint of miners still watches over his city. A monumental Way of the Cross accompanies the last effort of ascent in a fascinating setting.

The church is not open for sightseeing. However, during special events, it is possible to visit it. The Križanke was the seat of the order of the Teutonic Knights in the mid-13th century. It was the only church of this order on Slovenian soil. Only a few polished elements remain from their church, including the famous relief of the Krakovska Madonna (Mary on the Throne), which adorned the main portal, built in 1270 and kept in the National Gallery

Accessible directly from Piazza Tartini, the interior of this church is only visible through a gate, which is quite common in Slovenia. Dating back to the ^13th century, the church has undergone several renovations, most recently by the architect Pietro Nobile in the ^19th century. The nave, which reflects a certain low-relief sobriety, is architecturally harmonious. Take a close look at the statues on the altar representing Jesus Christ giving the keys to Paradise to Peter the Apostle.

It is a private chapel built in the 15th century. Its access is limited by a gate to preserve the fragile building. Why such an enigmatic name? This is the highlight of an episode dating from the 4th century when the Virgin Mary dropped a snow shower in the middle of summer on Rome to indicate the location of a new church to the Pope of the time. We will be dazzled by the harmony of this chapel, which is full of 15th century Venetian paintings.

Vipavski Križ is a beautiful village perched in the Slovenian countryside. It conceals small architectural treasures. Among them is a 17th century Capuchin monastery located right next to the old castle. It houses a grandiose library with 25,000 books on display, several thousand of which date back to the Renaissance. That of the preacher Janez Svetokriški is carefully preserved as it helped the development of the Slovenian language in the region. Nice church too.

It complements the work of Janez de Loka, founder of the hospice in 1417, and has Gothic frescoes representing 27 scenes of Passion (1450).

A building that does not go unnoticed with its red brick alignments. In a more symbolic way, it characterizes the entry into the pedestrian space of the city. The basilica has the peculiarity of being composed of three different naves. Built at the very end of the 19th century on the site of the former Viennese monastery, it is the work of the Austrian architect Richard Jordan. The interior is more classical and typical of Franciscan churches.

Situated at the top of a hill offering spectacular views over the city, the cathedral's name is a tribute to St. George, who is said to have saved Piran from the storm in the ^14th century. From its campanile, a replica of its famous Venetian twin, you'll marvel at the view of the Adriatic and the Italian and Croatian coastline on the horizon. The campanile is reached by a steep but secure staircase. The view is well worth the short climb. The walk ends with a brief look at the octagonal baptistery of St. John.

Dedicated to the Baptist of Christ, this cathedral has known all the great artistic periods, becoming in turn Romanesque, Gothic and then Baroque. Inside is the tombstone of Anton Martin Slomšek (1800-1862), the first Slovene to be declared a saint by the Vatican, celebrated as the spiritual hero of the nation. He was beatified in 1999 by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Maribor: stained glass windows recall this extraordinary event.

During the latest restoration, the wooden altars lost their gilding and reverted to their former black color, a reminder of the Pauline monks' veneration for the Black Madonna of their native Poland. The trompe l'oeil fresco on the choir vault is the work of Johannes Ranger, a monk from Tyrol (^18th century). The chapel of St. Francis Xavier was painted in 1760. The organ is remarkable, dating back over 230 years.

Built in 1910, it has a curious feature: a central stained glass window in the choir depicting Luther. This church is marked by lightness, finely decorated with geometric motifs that do not disturb its sobriety. Its construction in the axis of the castle would have displeased the count, catholic, who would have had his room moved. The architect Ernő Gerey is at the origin of this large-scale project: he gives back to the city the grandeur of its Protestant past. The painting of the altar has been entrusted to the artist Jenő Bory.

The 11th century church, partly circular, has a wooden bell tower and a shingled roof. The rotunda will surprise many people because it is absolutely unusual in Slovenia. The frescoes date from the 14th century. Small and simple church that you will not be able to forget so much its architecture surprises by its contemporaneity. One of the oldest religious buildings in the country and certainly one of the most beautiful. Muta was a border toll place in the Middle Ages.

This parish church was built as early as the middle of the 13th century. The baroque period has of course changed its appearance. You will discover paintings by Franz Ignaz Flurer, Anton Lerchinger and Filip Karl Laubmann. Above the altar, the work is signed by the hand of Martin Johan Kremserschmidt. A remarkable church, in many ways, which is clearly worth a little detour: it is so striking from afar as it dominates the town of Slovenska Bistrica.

It was the largest church in Slovenia in the 18th century. Its bell tower dates from 1671 and belonged to the previous church. In fact, a primitive church already existed around the year 1000. The Patriarchate of Aquileia founded a monastery and the Benedictines settled there in 1140, but three centuries later it was dissolved. Both the church and the monastery were destroyed in 1750. The present building was designed by Matija Perski. In the choir there is a fresco depicting the Virgin Mary and the two patron saints, a work by Layers like the Way of the Cross. The altarpiece is by Kumserschmidt.

Built at the end of the 14th century, it has one of the most beautiful works of art in the country, a Mercy carved in a single block of stone (1410-1415). The Virgin shelters under a mantle, unfurled by seven angels, 81 characters. It is a veritable portrait gallery where the Emperor Sigismund and the Counts of Celje can be identified. The old tympanum of the portal, placed above the altar, was commissioned by Bernard III of Ptuj to celebrate the baptism of Elizabeth, daughter of the emperor. The whole, very pure, is very expressive and lively. It was the Prague Speaking Workshop that worked on the building of the church founded by Bernard III. Destroyed by the Turks, it was completed during its renovation with four defence towers, only one of which remains on the south side. In the 16th century the church became Protestant and in 1615 the Jesuits took it over again until 1774. It has been in the hands of the Friars Minor since 1937. The three-nave church, a fine example of Slovenian Gothic, also contains the altar of the Counts of Celje designed in 1400 in the southern apse in the "soft style" and the bas-reliefs depicting the death of the Virgin, the Magi, and the angels with coats of arms. The work The Death of the Virgin was created in 1415 by the author of Mercy, who remained unknown. This church is one of the most beautiful in Slovenia, with an impressively rich interior and documentation that helps to get a better idea of what it means to pilgrims.

Built in the Romanesque style in the middle of the 13th century, this church was later modified to become Gothic and then Baroque. In 1826, following the demolition of an old neighbouring church, Saint-Pierre received a magnificent statue of the Virgin and Child dating from the 14th century. For the record, this work has already been exhibited at the Louvre museum a few years ago. The frescoes are by the artists Jacob Brollo and Osvaldo Bierti respectively.

The nave and two stained glass windows are of Romanesque origin. Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles have transformed the oldest building in the city dedicated to the niece of Aquileia's patriarch Berthold, Count of Andech. The pictorial works are by two local Baroque artists, Franc Michael Strauss (1667-1740) and Franc Andrej Strauss (1721-1782). The baroque altar was designed by Janej Jakob Schoy, a sculptor at the court of Graz. Not to be missed!

Mathilde, widow of Frederick III, donated the land to the Dominicans in 1230. Originally from Carinthia, they settled on the castle grounds a year later. The monastery was then only partially completed. Two renovations change its appearance. The first, in the mid-fourteenth century, following the fire of 1302. In the cloister, the fresco of the Dominicans at prayer dates from this period. The second renovation, a century later, gives the cloister its final appearance. The order was dissolved by Emperor Joseph II in 1786. The former monastery escaped its conversion into a textile factory. In 1928, this former museum installed its archaeological collections there.

In the crypt, the reconstruction of a shrine dedicated to Mithra, discovered at Spodnja Hajdina in 1901, allows you to become familiar with this religion originating in Persia, which was widespread in the first centuries of Christianity among the Romans and was introduced by soldiers on European soil. The initiation cult was reserved exclusively for men. The lapidary occupies the ground floor of the old church. Funerary stelae are attributed to soldiers and veterans of the Roman legions who were stationed in Ptuj (Poetivo). The bas-reliefs of the 2nd and 3rd centuries depicting the Nurse are of great beauty. The Nutrices Augustae was revered by the women and children she was supposed to protect. The Celts were already practicing this cult. On the first floor were gathered Roman pieces (jewellery, glassware, pottery...) as well as Slavic pottery.

Its origin dates back to the 11th century. It was first renovated in 1350 and is the resting place of the Counts Szapary. It is one of the best preserved Slovenian testimonies of late Romanesque art. Over the centuries, several modifications and renovations have been imposed on it. In 1910 it was completely rebuilt by the architect László Takács, who gave it three naves instead of the original one. Beautiful stained glass windows inside and a superb pictorial representation of St. Nicholas on the main altar made by Matthias Schiffer in 1797.

Superb Gothic church dating from the 15th century. It was consecrated by the Bishop of Ljubljana Sigismund von Lamberg in 1485. Its bell tower is more recent and would have been added at the very beginning of the 18th century. The main point of interest of this small church is undoubtedly its late Romanesque statue of the Virgin Mary carrying her child. It would probably date back to the late 1200s. Nice view over the whole valley from the religious building.

A little culture moment between two tastings? In the middle of the 17th century, the plague wreaked havoc. Lord Johann Drumpitsch and his wife Salome vow to build a church in Jeruzalem if the plague ceases. When the epidemic subsided, they built a baroque church, completed in 1652. Angels holding the instruments of Christ's torment are standing on the pulpit while an arm points a cross at the faithful. The angel with the dice reminds us of the episode of the tunic of Christ, drawn by lot between the soldiers in charge of its execution.

In Gothic style, the Church of St. Nicholas Chapter has a surprisingly broken longitudinal axis due to numerous modifications. Some altars are decorated with works by Valentin Metzinger (1699-1759). The jewel of the city, a Saint Nicholas by the Venetian master Le Tintoretto (1518-1594), is in the choir. The chapter is also worth a look. Created in 1493, it was renovated until 1623 after a fire in 1576. The crypt can be visited.

This Gothic church was built by the Franciscans in the ^15th century. Ravaged by fire in 1664, it underwent its final alterations in 1965. A number of tombstones of lords and knights, as well as that of Matija Kastelic, local canon and writer, mark its history. The monastery, built around 1480, contains 1,200 books, incunabula and paintings by Valentin Metzinger. Still in use, the monastery is often closed to the public. If you're lucky, you'll be able to visit the bookshop.

It dominates the city from the heights and dates from 1630, and this church is only rarely open. It has works by Valentin Metzinger, the greatest Slovenian Baroque painter, originally from Lorraine in eastern France. Beyond its aesthetics, the popular legend also attracts locals and the curious. It is said that a shepherdess found her flock in adoration before an icon of the Holy Trinity and that it was after this episode that the village priest decided to take this sign from Heaven into consideration.

There are places you have to have seen. The Church of the Holy Trinity is one of them! The church is a real fortress with its wall and corner towers to resist the Turkish attacker in the 16th century. Built with cut stone blocks, its architecture is truly the fruit of this Istrian land. Its origin dates back to the 12th century. Inside, the three naves ending in an apse are entirely covered with frescoes. This Biblia pauperum (Bible of the poor), tells the seven days of Creation, Adam and Eve, Abel and Cain, the apostles, the Holy Trinity, the Magi, the Passion of Christ, the coronation of the Virgin, the saints, the prophets, but also the daily life with the months of the calendar and their work (sowing, hunting, fishing, wine making, bread, cheese...). All these subjects uniting the sacred with the profane expose the order of the Middle Ages when we had an answer to everything: nothing remains unexplained, just as in the church, there is not a wall that is not painted. And in the middle is the Dance of Death. An infrequent subject that shows the equality of all men in the face of death. It takes by the hand and leads an emperor, a king, a queen, a nun, a bishop, a monk, a nobleman, a merchant, a bourgeois, a beggar and even a child. This fresco expresses the one and only equality of men that is only revealed in the tomb. A must-see that is worth the trip!

The oldest monastery in the country (1132) was founded by the Patriarch of Aquileia Peregrin. Thirty years after the foundation of the Cistercian order, the monks arrive at Stična with the builder Michel Cementarius. In the 15th century, the Turkish invasions caused major damage. The abbey is in full bloom 2 centuries later. At the end of the 18th century, the order was dissolved by Joseph II and monastic life did not begin again until 1898.

The abbey church with three naves, baroque, retains its Romanesque origins with narrow windows in a double row. Among the beautiful pieces: the funerary monument (1623) of Abbot Jakob Reinprecht, the organ case (1747) and the Stations of the Cross, the fourteen stations of which are the work of Fortunat Bergant (1766). To the south, stop at the beauty of the decorative figures to admire the 14th century frescoes: allegories of the Four Winds and the Four Virtues, patriarchs and prophets in the vaults of the cloister. The refectory with its pink ceiling, decorated with stuccoes, is worth a look. The library no longer holds 12th century books, which are now placed in the National and University Library in Ljubljana.

In the 16th century, the abbey was extended by a two-storey building. The vestibule of the triple barrel vault is decorated with plant, floral, berry and bird motifs. This wing is called Neff Abbey, after its abbot. The south side was closed in the 18th century to form a baroque courtyard. A double staircase leads to the finely decorated late 18th century room known as the Abbot's chapel. On the north side, the courtyard is closed by the former prelacy which welcomed, among its guests, the horsemen. The tower used to mark the main entrance. The vestibule is decorated with stuccoes (1620) of great beauty representing the Fathers of the Church and the Last Judgement. The courtyard and its surroundings have been renovated. Take a tour of the exterior of this vast ensemble to appreciate its importance.

In the religious museum opened in 1985, there are many relics such as objects of worship, furniture, statues. They allow us to come into close contact with the work of missionary Friderik Baraga, a native of Trebnje who travelled to North America in the 19th century to evangelize the Chippewa Indians. The guide to the monastery exists in French and can be essential for a better understanding of the different historical and religious issues.

Built in the 19th century. Observe the two bell towers. You can guess who is the author if you have followed the footsteps of the architect Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana. This church is really the only architectural interest in Ribnica. She brings a remarkable little touch to the town, contributing greatly to its attractiveness. In front of the church, a plaque reminds that France Prešeren studied in this building (then a school) between 1810 and 1812.

The church was built from 1641 to 1671. The three altars are laden with gilding and his pulpit is carved. The church has served as a model for many others. With its arcades, slender dome, immaculate colour and rich interior, Nova Štifta remains a first-class achievement. A majestic lime tree planted in 1641 stands nearby. A small octagonal hut nestles in it. A small haven of peace in a very well preserved setting.

The monastery, which is still active, is occupied by the Carthusian monks whose order was founded by Saint Bruno in 1084 in the Grande-Chartreuse massif and follows the rule of Saint Benedict. The monks will not be visible and you will not have access to the premises, except for the Gothic church and the reception with its souvenir sale. Pleterje is however worth a visit for the quietness of the site. The high walls that defend the site from any intrusion over 2.6 km contribute to its mystery. Pleterje was founded in 1407 by Count Hermann II of Celje. The first monks came from the monastery of Žice, the first Carthusian monastery built in 1160 on Slovenian soil near Slovenske Konjice. Pleterje, ravaged by the Turks in 1471, was solidly rebuilt with a wall, seven towers and a moat. A real fortress. From the 16th to the 18th century it was occupied by the Jesuits of Ljubljana. It was only in 1899 that the old order settled there again, thanks to the religious coming from France. The buildings are transformed at the same time according to the plans of the architect Jean-François Pichat. The Church of the Holy Trinity is a fine example of Carthusian Gothic. The tympanum is decorated with the Coronation of the Virgin. On the façade of the building, a plaque commemorates the memory of Joseph Ressel, former forest steward of the order, who invented the boat propeller. His first attempts are said to have taken place on the small pond of the monastery. Ressel continues his tests on the Krka with a boat equipped with a propeller.

Parish church where most of the services celebrated in the city are held. Its first major renovation dates back to 1495. It can be seen from afar in its Gothic structure, reconstructed in the 19th century. Inside, you will find the paws of Slovenian artists of the time: the black marble altar, which may surprise you, is signed Ludovic Bombassi from Ljubljana. The vault of the central nave is a pure masterpiece with its star-studded ceiling.

The Church of the Annunciation (13th century) has undergone various transformations. It has many 15th century frescoes. Outside, a Passion of Christ (14th century) and a Saint Christopher (1464). Note: a 17th century bell and a neo-Gothic porch from the 19th century. The ensemble is truly prodigious and is one of the most charming little churches in the region. Crngrob was once an important pilgrimage site and the nave's capacity has been constantly increased over the centuries.

The church is dedicated to St. Ulrich, Bishop of Augsburg in the 10th century. Scenes depict the patron saint as well as St. Corbinian, known for his evangelization campaigns in the 8th century. Built at the beginning of the 1500s, it is full of frescoes from the same period in very good state of conservation and asserts its late Gothic style. On the vault of the choir are angel musicians. For the visit, ask at the gostilna Pri Boštjanu.

The paintings are from the Venetian school. The ruins of a 16th-century castle, once the estate of the Coronini family and then of the Attems family, remain today. Some facts have marked the history of the village such as the visit of Pope Pius VI in 1782 during his trip to Vienna. To the east, don't miss the Church of the Holy Cross. It houses an altar from 1515. The tower is one of the four ancient defensive towers erected in the 15th century to guard against the Turkish assailant. From these heights, the King of Italy observed the Battle of the Soča in 1917.

One of the most beautiful examples of Slovenian Gothic. The original church dates from the 13th century. Many changes were made in the following centuries. The three-nave hall choir was designed between 1521 and 1532 by Master Jurko of Škofja Loka. Sveta Nadelja (Holy Sunday) adorns the facade near the entrance. This representation is the work of John of Ljubljana (1460); it depicts the holy day of the good Christian. Many frescos. The church has the largest golden altar in Slovenia, designed by Jurij Karnos (1652).

In the small village of Suha, in the middle of nature, we find this church built in the first half of the 15th century. Its peculiarity: it has preserved magnificent medieval frescoes painted on the vault of the choir and the apse, representing the life of Christ, the apostles and the angels. They are classified as national heritage. The baroque altar, dating from 1672, is also of great beauty. Nice scenic stage which is worth the (short!) trip.