Minorite Monastery

Olimje 82, 3254 Podčetrtek
9 AM – 12 PM, 1 PM – 6 PM (open every day)
+386 3 5829 161
ernest.benko@rkc.si

Olimje Monastery offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the life of the Minorite monks, who still live and work here today.

Part of the monastery complex (formerly a castle) includes the Baroque Church of Mary, notable for its striking black altar. On the ground floor, in a domed room, you will find the monastic pharmacy, which is recognized as the third oldest pharmacy in Europe.

The Minorite monks have revived their herbal knowledge and traditions, cultivating medicinal herbs in their herb garden. Visitors can purchase various herbal remedies and teas in the monastery shop.

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Church of Mary

Sladka Gora 11, 3240 Šmarje pri Jelšah
Open by prior arrangement.
+386 3 582 11 32
+386 41 576 012
damjan.ratajc@rkc.si

The Church of Sladka Gora is one of the most important cultural monuments in Styria, renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and richly decorated interior.

Built in the Baroque style, its dynamic architectural design blends seamlessly into the picturesque landscape. The church’s interior is just as impressive as its exterior—frescoes cover the entire ceiling and choir loft, painted by Franc Jelovšek, one of the most famous Baroque painters. You can even find his self-portrait inside the church.

The Baroque ambiance is further enriched by sculptural elements, including five altars, confessionals, and an organ case, making it a true masterpiece of Baroque art and craftsmanship.

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Calvary and the Church of St. Rok

Cesta na Sv. Rok 2, 3240 Šmarje pri Jelšah
Open every day
+386 3 818 56 17
+386 31 575 056
info@muzejbaroka.si

The Baroque Calvary, winding from Šmarje pri Jelšah to the Church of St. Roch on the nearby hill, is one of the most picturesque in Slovenia. When it was built in 1753, it was considered the most beautiful in Inner Austria at the time.

The 14 chapels are decorated with life-sized sculptural groups, frescoes, stone portals, and intricate stone ornaments. The journey itself is an experience, culminating at the Church of St. Roch, which leaves visitors feeling as if they have stepped into a richly decorated cake…

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Podsreda Castle

Podsreda 103, 3257 Podsreda
Tue–Sun 10 AM – 5 PM
April to October
+386 3 580 6118
+386 41 419 996
info@castlepodsreda.com
https://castlepodsreda.com/

Nestled among the beech forests of Orlica, Podsreda Castle is often referred to as the “most castle-like castle in Slovenia.” This medieval fortress is still alive and thriving, hosting permanent and temporary exhibitions, musical events, and weddings.

Visitors can explore the castle independently or with a guided tour. Special educational programs are available for school groups, including customized guided tours, thematic activities, and cultural or technical day programs.

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Strmol Manor

Pot k ribniku 3, 3252 Rogatec
April–October:
Tue–Sun & holidays: 10 AM – 6 PM, Mon closed.
November–March:
Every Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
+386 3 81 86 200
dvorec.strmol@rogatec.si

The renovated Strmol Manor now serves as a museum exhibition space, wedding venue, and location for musical and other cultural events. One of its unique features is its name, as it is one of the few castles in Slovenia that has retained its Slovenian name throughout history.

Enjoy a glass of wine in the castle dungeons, have lunch in the historic black kitchen, explore picturesque exhibitions, and test your craftsmanship skills at the Handicraft Center Rogatec’s artisan workshops.

The manor is alive—you will feel the vibrant pulse of this Renaissance-Baroque estate.

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