Dolenjska, different experiences

Šentjernej

The Municipality of Šentjernej is a region of sun, Cviček and singing. Šentjernej received its name from its patron saint, St. Jernej. The beautiful landscapes invite you to discover all that the region has to offer. Visit Šentjernej, taste the homemade wines as well as the delicious treats made by Šentjernej's households and talk with the friendly and hospitable local people.

1. NOVI LURD (RAKOVNIK)

Novi Lurd (Rakovnik) is a village in the foothills of Gorjanci under Opatova mountain (Pečurka, 950m). In the middle of the forest above the Lurd spring stands the Romanesque chapel of Our Lady of Novi Lurd. Its name is derived from Lourdes in France. The first pilgrimages began here in 1908. It is a place of unspoilt nature and is thus beautiful and appealing. Here is a particularly popular stop for pilgrims during the month of May.

2. Carthusian Monastery

This monastery is the only operating Carthusian monastery in Slovenia. It was established in 1403 at the request of Count Herman II of Celje. In the 16th century, it was taken from the Carthusian monks and granted to the Jesuits with the purpose of eliminating the extension of the Lutheran church to the area. In the 18th century, the monastery was abolished, and in 1899 it was bought back by the Carthusians. Currently, the 30 hectares of agricultural land that belong to the monastery are cared for in a nature-friendly manner. Among the Pleterje spirits produced here are those made from pears, apples, plums and juniper berries. The specialty is the pear spirit, which is made by allowing the pear to grow inside the bottle and then later the bottle, with the pear inside, is removed from the tree and pear spirit is poured in.

3. Open-Air Museum

The Open-Air Museum is located just next to the Pleterje monastery. In a pleasant meadow, where during the Middle Ages there were monastic ponds, there are now many old farm buildings that were typical of Šentjernej in the 19th century. They were transferred here in 1990 from the surrounding villages. Here you can see typical farming homesteads and outbuildings as well as outhouses and wells. All structures apart from the drying rooms for fruit or straw have ground floors made from oak or beech and covered with straw. The Kegljevič house represents the centre of the museum with its black kitchen from 1833 that was transferred from the nearby village of Ostrog.

4. Hosta Stud Farm

The Hosta Stud Farm began operating on a relatively small farm. Currently, it houses around 50 Lipizzaner horses. 16 breeding mares and 2 or 3 breeding stallions ensure that the herd increases every year and that there are new offspring in the springtime. Almost half of the Lipizzaner horses spend the entire year in the pastures, where they enjoy boundless freedom, socialisation and the chance to run. The stud farm also includes a riding school, preparations for competitions, dressage training and trail riding. It is possible to visit the stud farm at weekends.

5. Primož Trubar Cultural Centre

The cultural centre was built with the purpose of improving the quality of life in Gorjanci. Through a varied programme from all genres, the centre satisfies various tastes, age groups and visitor requirements. The Yellow Hall (315 seats), Red Hall (up to 100 seats) and Green Hall (conference room) all have modern equipment and are suitable for congress activities.

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