The Oldest and the Only Still functioning Cistercian Monastery

The Cistercian Monastery Stična is the oldest monastery in Slovenia. It is the only still functioning Cistercian monastery dating from 1132. The second monastery was in Kostanjevica na Krki, where the Božidar Jakac Gallery is found today.

The monastery was considered an important religious, cultural and economic centre of the time. It housed a wonderful library whose books are even today considered the peak of the artistic legacy. One of them, the Stična Manuscript, is one of the first written monuments in Slovenian language.

The most important parts of the monastery are the church with preserved stages of various wall buildings, from Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods, including a beautiful cloister. We recommend visiting both on a guided tour, and only the church on your own. The cloister consists of four arms, allowing access to the church from the most important monastery quarters. A well-kept garden is situated in the middle of the monastery. The cloister had been painted several times, and some of the paintings on the arches and lintels have been preserved to this day. Beautiful keystones are also found there. It is considered one of the most beautiful gothic cloisters in Slovenia. Johanness of Ljubljana (Janez Ljubljanski) also participated in the paintings.

In the monastic church you can, among other things, admire the altar and the tabernacle designed by Jože Plečnik, and the Stations of the Cross by the baroque painter Fortunato Bergant (Fortunat Bergant). The church is a three-aisled basilica, and as such it was built in the Romanesque period while shining in its baroque form today. The original church had been consecrated in 1156, and unlike the Baroque one, had a flat ceiling. It was the largest church in Slovenia at the time. During its long history, it had been damaged several times. In 1475 and 1529, it was burned by the Turks, along with monastery. It was bombed twice during the Second World War. Despite all this, it remained preserved and today represents one of the most important artistic monuments.

Herbal pharmacy Stik is located near the church. It continues the work and legacy of the famous father Simon Ašič. There you can find many delights, such as fragrant and healing tea mixtures of various types, and you can treat yourself with a drink.

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The Museum That Debunks the Myths of the Dark Middle Ages

The Museum of Christianity is a part of monastery. It got its name and state museum status in 2006, but the first exhibition was held in 1983. The museum features three permanent exhibitions: Life Behind Monastic Walls, The Mysterious World of Medieval Scribes and the History of Christianity in Slovenia. Apart from those, there are also temporary exhibitions and other accompanying programs, such as guided tours, workshops and occasional events.

More than 1700 years of history is on display, with an interesting chapter on the life and work of monks in the area and their care for the books. You can see for yourself that the museum was once rightfully considered a true treasure. You will discover how the books were made, what material they used, how long did it take, how they were decorated, and the care they provided once they were put on the shelves. You will also find beautiful and numerous artistic monuments and many other things.

Prior arrangement of the visit is necessary, as you will be guided around the museum. The guide will also assist you to through the premises, as ramps will be installed on the fly, and the arrange the use of the elevator. The visit includes a guided tour of the museum, the church and monastery and can be combined with a calligraphy workshop.