Ten Things to Do in Šmartno Church (Cerkev Šmartno) Nova Gorica Slovenia
Located in the small town of Šmartno in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, the Šmartno Church (Cerkev Šmartno) is a beautiful and historic Roman Catholic church. Built in the 13th century, the church is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. Here are ten things to do in and around the Šmartno Church.
1. Admire the Architecture: The Šmartno Church is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The two towers of the church, built in the 15th century, are particularly impressive, standing at over 40 meters tall. The interior of the church is also beautiful, with its painted ceiling and intricate stained glass windows.
2. Visit the Museum: The Šmartno Church is home to a museum that showcases the history and art of the church. The museum is filled with artifacts and artwork from the church’s history, including a 16th century painting of the Virgin Mary and a 17th century chalice.
3. Attend a Mass: The Šmartno Church is still an active place of worship and visitors are welcome to attend mass. Mass is held at 7pm on weekdays and at 8am and 10am on Sundays.
4. Take a Tour: Guided tours of the Šmartno Church are available for visitors. The tour takes visitors through the church’s history and architecture, and includes a look at the museum and the church’s crypt.
5. Explore the Crypt: The Šmartno Church’s crypt is open for visitors to explore. The crypt is filled with tombs and memorials to the church’s past, as well as a few mysterious sculptures.
6. Enjoy the View: From the top of the Šmartno Church’s two towers, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Nova Gorica valley.
7. Attend a Concert: The Šmartno Church is a popular venue for concerts, with a variety of musical performances taking place throughout the year.
8. Visit the Chapel: The Šmartno Church also houses a small chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The chapel is open to visitors and contains a number of religious artifacts, including a 16th century crucifix.
9. Shop for Souvenirs: The Šmartno Church has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and religious items.
10. Take a Hike: The Šmartno Church is located in a beautiful area, and there are many hiking trails in the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the nearby forests and mountains, and take in the stunning views of the Nova Gorica valley.
Whether you’re a history buff, a religious enthusiast, or just looking for something to do in Nova Gorica, the Šmartno Church is a great destination. From admiring the architecture to taking a hike in the surrounding area, there are plenty of things to do in and around the church.