The Pilgrimage Church of the St. Mary at Zaplaz
The Pilgrimage Church of St. Mary at Zaplaz is the main pilgrimage center of the Diocese of Novo mesto and one of the most recognizable shrines in the Dolenjska region. It stands on top of Zaplaz Hill, 544 meters above Čatež, offering magnificent views that also make it a popular spot for hikers and visitors. Its most striking features are the imposing Secession-style twin towers, which set it apart from other churches in the area.
According to tradition, the site became a pilgrimage destination after a statue of Mary was found in the bushes, and the first chapel was built around 1800. The present church with its two towers was completed in the 20th century and can accommodate up to 1,500 worshippers. The shrine is a cultural monument of local significance and a center of rich religious life, reaching its peak on the Feast of the Assumption, when pilgrims from all over Slovenia gather here.
Worth visiting