Up to the first decades of the 19th century, its medival forerunner stood there. It was surrounded by a camp which served as a defense against the Turks. In the mid-19th century, a new church was built, which was badly damaged during WWII. Due to its strategic position, German soldiers used it as a military base. Later on, the church underwent major reconstruction works which were organized by the Franciscan Martin and realized by Architekt Jože Plečnik. Due to financially unstable times, natural meterials found in the area were used and local craftsman worked on the project. The church is full of symbolism, which is characteristic of Plečnik's work. In the nearby village Županje Njive is St. Mary Chapel. In times of great disasters, such as the earthquake of 1898 in Ljubljana  and during the two world wars, the locals often saw the Statue of St. Mary in Županje Njive moving its eyes and even crying.

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Kamnik

Kamnik, a town in the midst of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, is considered one of the prettiest medieval towns in Slovenia. It is a meeting point of culture, tradition, superb culinary art and intact nature that promises numerous free time activities. With its offer, Kamnik satisfies both lovers of culture, nature and architecture as well as gourmets, thus providing an all-around visitor experience.

Throughout the year it offers a great range of sports activities and numerous adventures in the green embrace of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.

Kamnik Franciscan Monastery 

According to Janez Vajkard Valvasor, the first church of St James was built around 1474, which is even before the arrival of the Franciscans in Kamnik, and the monastery right after 1493. The friary owns a rich library, while the church takes pride in one of the last works of the great Slovene architect Jože Plečnik – the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre.

The Franciscans would say “A monastery without a library is as a fortress without an armoury”. The friary indeed boasts a rich library collection that among other things includes incunables – books printed before 1550. The renowned friary library has been systematically collecting books since 1627. It keeps over 10,000 publications. Its museum part, which concludes with the year 1799, is organized according to the catalogue of 1760. For those who wish to visit the Kamnik Franciscan library, we advise them to call ahead and schedule the visit. 

Mali grad Castle

The territory of Mali grad castle was inhabited already in the Neolithic era and in the 10th and 11th centuries it functioned as an Old Slavic burial ground. Written records first mention the castle in 1202. It acquired its current size with the large living area, the main defence tower and the chapel no later than at the beginning of the 13th century.

Šutna

Šutna is believed to be the most beautiful street in Kamnik, adorned by characteristic medieval houses that lean on one another. Signs and other craftsmanship symbols on house walls attest to its great commercial importance in the past. In the same street there also stands the parish church of St Mary Immaculate with a separate Gothic church tower.

Zaprice Mansion

The Renaissance and Baroque style Zaprice mansion from 16th century hosts the Intermunicipal Museum of Kamnik and its permanent and temporary exhibitions. The  outside grounds are converted into an open-air museum and showcase granaries from the Tuhinja valley.

Trnič cheese

In the past centuries the Trnič cheese – hard pear-shaped cheese from the Velika planina plateau – was made by herdsmen from cottage cheese, double cream and salt. The cheese was always made in pairs since two pieces symbolise the shape of women’s breasts. The tradition has it that they were given to the beloved as a sign of love and fidelity, or even as a promise of marriage.

Velika planina Plateau

Velika planina is the highest alpine and karst plateau in Slovenia and is a real gold mine of herding tradition. It is the home of one of the oldest preserved herdsmen settlements in Europe. The typical oval-shaped herdsmen huts are still in use, mostly in summer when the herdsmen come up taking cows to pasture and staying until September. The plateau is easily accessible throughout the year by cable car or by one of the various walking paths.

Budnar ‘s Museum House

Budnar ‘s Museum House is located in the Zgornje Palovče hamlet above Kamnik. The old and spacious farm house has been renovated and turned into a museum. Its main attraction is the smoke kitchen with an open (and still working) fireplace, where one can always warm up and allow oneself to reminisce about the lives of our grandparents. If you call before your visit, Budnar’s house will make sure to prepare some of its home-cooked specialities.