Things to see and do near Podčetrtek, Slovenia
Coming to Olimje, one can hardly miss Olimje Monastery one of the biggest tourist attractions of Podčetrtek. This former castle was built in 11th century and inhabited by the Pavlin monks in 17th century. Nearby there is a Church of the Assumption one of our country’s most beautiful baroque buildings, and pharmacy, the third oldest monastic pharmacy in Europe.
Where is located and how to get there?
Olimje is located in the Podčetrtek municipality (pronounced pod-che-ter-tek), lying at the foot of the Kozjansko hribovje hills. We arrived there by car, from Vienna , through Graz then Maribor. It was a pleasant ride till there and when we arrived near we stopped for a moment to admire the nature. The view is spectacular and you can hear birds, so quiet, no other sounds only pure nature.
What to see?
When the Pauline monks came to Olimje in 1663, they began studying the plant life methodically. Some monks dedicated their life to medicine entirely - they cultivated and collected medicinal herbs and prepared remedies. They started what we call the Old Pharmacy on the ground floor of the South Tower. When in 1990 the Minorite monks settled in the monastery, the apothecary tradition was revived.
The Church of Mary’s Assumption - is part of the Olimje Monastery. It is a parish church with Baroque architecture and gilded black altars, and was initially intended for pilgrims. Besides having the biggest gilded altar in Slovenia, the church also keeps the bust of the blessed Anton Martin Slomšek. ( full text here )
Chocolaterie Olimje - Who does not like a bite of good chocolate, right? Popular tourist spot, located opposite of the Monastery of Friars Minor Conventual of Olimje. It only takes 2 mins to arrive there from the monastery. You can find parking places in front of the Chocolate Olimje. On winter store is open till 17h, on summer till 19h. We tried their chocolate and I must say it is very nice. The Olimje chocolate shop is family owned business, and they offer a wide range of handmade chocolates.
Tip: You can create chocolates according to your own wishes.
Jelenov greben - On the ridge under Rudnica, only 350m from Olimje monastery you can run into fallow deer and mouflon. The animals move freely on a 8-acre fenced medium. The location of this guesthouse is so popular among domestic tourists. We just pass by car so kids could see the animals which clearly are not scared from us. I heard from people in Olimje that you can pet and feed the animals. That would be such an experience, maybe next time when we come back here.
After we took a few photos and videos we decided to go back to the restaurant, it was near Podčetrtek and the food is excellent. Outside you have a playground for kids, large parking and place to rest and admire the view.
As you can see we visited this place with kids and they really enjoyed so much. We came from Podčetrtek, where we stayed in Ortenia apartments . My husband took the older kid to the pool, but he managed to get some kind of bacteria, I guess from water. Also, you can find a small private playground in the village, we bought coffee on petrol station. The locals say it`s the best here! Podčetrtek offers many well maintained cycling and walking paths.
More things to see here:
Terme Olimia - Took its name from the medieval monastery in Olimje. It has a few parts where you can enjoy and relax as well have some fun with your family.
Thermal park Aqualuna - Is open only during the warm spring/summer months, with over 3,000 m² of water surfaces. The area is great for younger and older kids as they all have their own pools and attractions.
Wellness Orhidelia - The most prestigious section of the Terme Olimia complex, awarded 8 times in a row the title of ‘best wellness centre in Slovenia’. The dynamic layout of Wellness Orhidelia enables every guest to find his or her little corner of peace and relaxation.
Family wellness Termalija - Unique water attraction park loved by both the kids and their parents. Has so many attractions for kids.
The Withc`s Hut - Sadly we missed this place. It`s located 1k from Olimje monastery, hidden in the woods. Visitors would be able to see the world of fairy tales and be reintroduced to Kekec, Bedanc, Krjavelj, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood and other characters.
We have a plan to get back here again and stay to Terme Olimia as well see Witch`s Hut. Even if it`s not so popular it is really worth a visit as this place has so much to offer. Have you ever been to Slovenia? Do you like small places like Podčetrtek? Let me know in the comments. :)
Wow...so much of lush greenery as well as scenic beauty. Would love to visit this place someday.
ReplyDeleteThis places looks like a fairytale land. So green and colorful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous area! I'd love to get here one day. I always love checking out flowers.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lovely place to visit! I'd love to go here and might add it to my travel list!
ReplyDeleteI love all the plants and greenery that this place has. It looks so relaxing.
ReplyDeleteMonasteries have always fascinated me. This one looks very different from anything I have ever seen. And the pharmacy sounds like a place I would spend a lot of money.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness it's so GREEN. How lovely! Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us!
ReplyDeleteSlovenia looks absolutely breahtaking. I would love to go there sometime.
ReplyDeleteWow!! The Olimje Monastery is absolutely stunning. There are seriously too many places in Europe to visit. How does one find the time to see it all?
ReplyDeleteYou’ve written a lovely post on this place in Slovenia. I’ve not yet been, but I’m so intrigued to visit now!
ReplyDeletelooks like a beautiful place to visit!
ReplyDeleteLooks so nice would love to visit one day. Love everywhere you visited.
ReplyDeleteThis place looks beautiful and look at the deer!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty quaint place. It looks like a postcard.
ReplyDeleteLooks like there are quite a few things to do. Of course, I would start with the chocolate place. But i would definitely make my way to the church as well. Love those historic buildings.
ReplyDeleteThis location looks really beautiful and quaint. Looks like a place I would want to visit...as I'm always looking for unique places to visit.
ReplyDeleteCandy Rachelle
Keeping Up With Candy
www.keepingupwithcandy.com
Looks like such a beautiful and calming place. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteslovenia is also one of my top destinations to go to someday. hopefully, i can see it right before my very eyes. <3
ReplyDeleteReally Stunning Place. Thank you for this post
ReplyDeletewish to go there
ReplyDeletenice blog ! thanks to share this here.
ReplyDelete