Pleterje Charterhouse
Hidden in a secluded valley beneath the Gorjanci Hills stands Pleterje Charterhouse, for centuries a place of quiet and contemplation, and today the only active Carthusian monastery in the Slavic world. Its history has been marked by many trials: it was devastated by the Ottomans in 1471, later passed into the hands of the Jesuits, and after their suppression it was closed. Only at the end of the 19th century did the Carthusians return and restore it to its original purpose.
The Carthusians form a community of hermits, in which monks devote themselves to following Christ through silence and withdrawal from the world. For this reason, much of the monastery remains under strict enclosure and is marked as a “zone of silence,” where public access is not permitted.
Pleterje also preserves a rich collection of paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, including works by Flemish, French, Italian, and German masters. To preserve the peace of monastic life, the collection is kept outside the core of the monastery. The monks also care for 30 hectares of land, where they produce fruit, wine, honey, and fruit spirits. Their best-known products include cviček wine, Williams pear brandy, various fruit spirits, and beekeeping products such as honey, propolis, and beeswax candles.
For visitors
Visitors may enter the old Gothic church from 1406, known for its remarkable architectural details, including corbelled vault supports, console masks, rosette keystones, and elements associated with the Parler workshop. Inside, you can also experience a multimedia presentation revealing the daily life of the monks and the cultural and historical heritage of the charterhouse.
Visits
Visits must be arranged in advance by phone: +386 7 30 81 225
Wine tastings
Guided wine tastings are also available by prior arrangement. For tastings, advance booking is required by phone: +386 31 878 426
Shop
Products made by the monks of Pleterje, from wines, spirits, fruit, and seedlings to bee products, books, and other specialties, can be purchased in their shop located right next to the main entrance to the charterhouse.
Shop opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
An online shop is also available.
