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Introducing Municipalities
BENEDIKT
The municipality of Benedikt lies in the northeastern part of Slovenia and stretches along the central part of Slovenske Gorice between rivers Pesnica and Ščavnica, along the road between Lenart and Gornja Radgona. It unites 13 settlements, namely Benedikt, Drvanja, Ihova, Ločki Vrh, Negovski Vrh, Obrat, Spodnja Bačkova, Spodnja Ročica, Stara Gora, Sveti Trije Kralji in Slovenske gorice, Štajngrova, Trotkova and Trstenik.
Benedikt is one of the most economically advanced municipalities in the region, as it has acquired its own craft and industrial zone and with it new employment opportunities for residents. With the construction of new non-profit housing, the sale of undeveloped building land, all the necessary infrastructure in the place and all the natural and cultural features of the place, the municipality has become interesting for the immigration of young families.
The wider area of Benedikt is rich in drinking mineral water and represents a great potential for the development of recreational and health tourism in this part of Slovenske Gorice. The well-kept and properly equipped springs of Helena, Pavla and Ana are suitable for tasting mineral water, and a canopy has been built at the Pavla spring, where you can sit comfortably. In Benedict, water also has a special story in the form of wells, where some still represent a source of healthy drinking water. Years ago, they restored as many as 15 wells, each with its own story and where you can serve yourself with water from the depths.
The visitor will be thrilled by the view from the Holy Three Kings, where the church of the same name stands, which represents the most beautiful late Gothic church in Slovenske Gorice. In addition to the view of Slovenske Gorice, you can also see the neighboring countries of Austria, Croatia and Hungary in fine weather. Next to the church is also planted the descendant of the oldest vine in the world from Maribor, which has a special significance in these places. Namely, in Benedikt lived and worked Dominik Čolnik, who was a national awakener and fighter for the Slovene language, and above all an advanced farmer, winegrower and exhibitor of his wines in European cities. He was an expert on the vine, known throughout Europe, as he described all the known vine varieties.
In ancient times, Benedikt was an important outpost on the Roman route from Ptuj to Gornja Radgona. In addition to the excavated mounds, 26 bronze helmets were found in the area, which are now kept in museums in Vienna and Graz, and one also in the National Museum in Ljubljana.
Local and tourist offer
Benedikt's economic development in recent years has also had a strong impact on the supply of accommodation and catering facilities. In the very center of the place, delicious food will be prepared in Penzion Petelin, in Snack bar Trsek and in Guesthouse and Pizza restaurant Lekežič, and you can experience a purely rural pulse at the Guesthouse on the farm Kaučič, which is only a few minutes away. The catering providers offer authentic and home-made dishes, and they also prepare more modern menus to order for demanding guests and groups.
There is also a large number of accommodation providers available in the municipality. In the center of the town is Pension Petelin, where also served breakfast; for pure nature lovers, we recommend rooms with the Kaučič family or apartments in the Rajšp apartment house, where you can also serve vegetables from their landscaped garden.
Benedikt is an ideal place for lovers of hiking and cycling, as all of the above attractions can be visited in a relatively short time. For organized groups, they will be happy to organize a custom trip for you and show you all the hidden corners that they keep only for special visitors. Culinary specialties include the baking of fruit bread or 'klecnbrot', and in early summer you can also visit the larger gastronomic event 'Graharijada', where you can try a variety of bean dishes.
The place is an exceptional traffic point and a great starting point for visiting the surrounding attractions such as Sv. Trojica, Negova Castle, Gornja Radgona Castle, Pachamama Center and other local providers with their experiences.
CERKVENJAK
Cerkvenjak was first mentioned in 1460, and we can talk about the settlement of this area in Slovenske Gorice as early as the 3rd millennium BC. The place was named after the church of St. Anton the Hermit, which was first mentioned in 1299. The church received its present shape after several alterations in the 16th century, and the entrance portal is adorned with the coats of arms of the butcher's and hatters' guild. In the area of the municipality we can find many sacral elements, especially chapels and plague signs, and the place is known mainly for the Roman mound cemetery, as archaeologists have listed about 60 mounds from the 2nd century. The well-kept archeological park takes us back to Roman times, and the walking path is also of an educational nature.
There are also some rural villas in the place, and in one of them there is a rich ethnographic museum collection with more than 800 exhibits of furniture, accessories, musical instruments, photographs, etc. Rich architectural gems are also represented by numerous cimper- houses in the hamlets, which are a living heritage of the local architecture. Cimper-houses are built of wood, plastered with clay, whitewashed with white lime and covered with straw. These were homesteads in which both living and commercial spaces were combined.
The natural heritage of Cerkvenjak includes the Lüba vodica- spring, an old Župetinci-oak and a descendant of the oldest vine in the world. The spring of Lüba vodica does not dry up even in the driest periods, and it was also a constant source of water between the two world wars. Legend has it that a settlement that was destroyed by an earthquake once stood on this site, and the water still springs there today. The oak in the Župetinci settlement is said to be about 400 years old, and the trunk circumference measures about 7 meters. It has survived for so long because it once grew on the three borders of the three economies that used it instead of the landmark.
Local offer
Cerkvenjak offers a wide range of wine and culinary offerings. In the center of the town reigns the restaurant Gostišče pri Antonu, which is one of the largest in Slovenske Gorice, and they satisfy even the most demanding guest. Representatives of excellent local cuisine are also Firbas-homestead and tourist farm Breznik, where you can try both traditional Slovenian delicacies and more modern dishes, and the gastronomic pleasure is complemented by local winegrowers, who in recent years have raised the quality of wines to a very high level. There is also an offer of organic cheese production and a bio-dynamic farm with an apple orchard, and a special stamp is added by local beekeepers associated with the association.
Tourism
The tourist offer in Cerkvenjak is very diverse, as the landscape is a paradise for cyclists, nature lovers and gastronomy. Added value is also the take-off point in Čagona, where you can also see Slovenske Gorice from the air, and for adventurers there are also stands for motorhomes, which can continue their way to Ploj-pond in Smolinci, where there is more space for socializing. and picnics. History lovers can visit the archeological park with Roman mounds, the restored market town of Cerkvenjak, the ethnographic museum, or indulge in an experience at the Firbas-homestead, where you will be pleasantly surprised by a wide list of activities.
Other
The place has been a modern football and recreational facility for many years, where young football players are diligently educated.
Cerkvenjak has its own exit from the motorway, which continues directly into the industrial zone, so it represents an ideal transport connection to neighboring cities, including neighboring Austria.
DUPLEK
The municipality of Duplek lies on the northwestern outskirts of Slovenske Gorice, where the hilly area descends to the flat part towards the river Drava. In terms of population and size, Duplek is one of the largest municipalities in Slovenske Gorice, so it is divided into six village communities: Dvorjane, Korena, Spodnji Duplek, Vurberk, Zgornji Duplek and Zimica. Despite the fact that the municipality does not yet have an organized industrial zone, more than 400 business entities are registered in the field of economy. A great advantage for economic development is also the geographical location, as the center of Spodnji Duplek lies along the Maribor-Ptuj road, and an important connection is also the road to Lenart.
The municipality is adorned with the churches of St. Barbara in Korena, St. Martin in Dvorjane and St. Marija na Vurberk, and one of the greatest prides of the place is the Vurberk castle from the 13th century. A number of stories and historical events are connected to the castle, and today it is mainly an event space, as it hosts a large number of music and other performances every year, and they are especially proud of one of the oldest national entertainment festivals in Slovenia. In the forest below the castle, adventurers can try their hand at pranks in the adrenaline park, and the castle is also home to the Huda Liza bar, known mainly for its local brewery and live music.
Among the natural sights we can certainly include the Kamenščak-Hrastovec landscape park with a traditional cultural landscape with extensive agricultural use, which provides habitat for a large number of rare butterflies and birds. In addition to underground caves, which are not open to visitors, the landscape park is characterized by a deposit of limestone, which was used as a building material in the past.
Major recreational and tourist projects include the arrangement of the nearby gravel pit, where the Wake-park Dooplek water sports center is located today. On the lake you can try skiing or water surfing, and for non-adventurers there are walking trails and a rich gastronomic offer. They have also expanded their offer with toys, as they also set up a water slide and a huge trampoline for the youngest in the summer season, so everyone is sure to find something for themselves there.
Duplek is also a crossroads of various societies, especially those in the field of sports and culture, and the most important societies also include firefighters, old-timer lovers, peasant women societies, humanitarian societies, horse societies, tourist societies, etc.
Local offer and tourism
Although the city of Maribor is relatively close, the hospitality offer in the municipality of Duplek is very developed. In the very heart of the municipality, you can refresh yourself in the pizzeria Johana, and you can also experience an excellent culinary experience in the restaurant Valerija, home to the well-known dessert Dupleška rezina. In Jablance, you can try delicacies in the Simonič snack bar, and for delicious local and modern specialties, visit the Peserl and Slanič tourist farms. The culinary offer is complemented by many local winegrowers with exceptional quality wines, and the Kokol Wine House has also upgraded its wine-growing tradition by processing grape seeds into oil. If you want to learn something about nature, herbs and plants, the path will surely take you to the Lenič organic farm, where you will be able to try various home-made preparations. In addition to the viticultural tradition, the municipality also has a highly developed fruit growing industry, especially apple production.
As is typical for the entire Slovenske Gorice, most of the attractions can be reached on foot in a short time, and cyclists will also be thrilled, as there is a well-kept Drava cycling route in the immediate vicinity. Lovers of hiking, cycling and other types of recreation, as well as lovers of history and mystical stories, will be able to get their money's worth.
LENART IN SLOVENSKE GORICE
Lenart is a friendly little town in the heart of the hilly region called Slovenske Gorice. It is a town where the urban beat is intertwined with the countryside spirit on a daily basis. It is an intersection point of the surrounding places and the center of the municipality.
Lenart and settlements of the Municipality of Lenart today
Once a small settlement, it is today the economic, cultural and administrative center of the central area of Slovenske Gorice. Various industrial plants, service and social activities provide employment for 4,000 people. New residential neighborhoods are being constructed. Renovated, paved streets and squares adorned with heritage-protected buildings create an old-fashioned look of the market-town core. A town with a vibrant cultural beat where tradition and modernity blend.
In the valley along the Rupert stream, there lies the village of Volicina. The settlement was first mentioned already in the 13th century. A special feature of the village is the St. Rupert’s church from the 15th century, adorned with the works of the Baroque sculptor Joseph Holzinger. The hilly and picturesque area of Volicina with many chapels scattered throughout the region, invites mostly cyclists and hikers. The area is well-known for growing apples, which locals present to visitors going along the Fruit Road. Particularly picturesque is the area of Volicina in autumn when the grapes ripen. It is surrounded by autumn-colored vineyards, which announce good harvest and abundance of wine.
A place called Zavrh is a picturesque settlement, at an altitude of 370 m, where the Maister’s observation tower stands. From Zavrh, the view extends from the Pannonian plains to the Austrian mountains, into a space where the present meets the past and welcomes the future. It is a landscape, where you will be overwhelmed with its diversity, colorfulness and rich gifts of nature but also with peace, which you will find in shelter of the hills, vineyards and forests. You will enter a small world offering many opportunities.
Today, you will be attracted to the destination of the Municipality of Lenart by all that’s pleasant - unspoiled nature, cultural and natural sights, picturesque settlements, walking, cycling and riding trails; but above all, excellent local wine and culinary offer, on the surrounding tourist farms and in guesthouses, which will be served to you by friendly locals.
Traffic connections
Lenart lies on a higher terrace between the Globovnica and Velka streams in the Pesnica valley. Due to its location and well-organized routes, the town is easily accessible from all parts of Slovenia and neighboring countries. It has a connection to the A5 motorway that runs between Maribor and Lendava.
The easiest way of getting to Lenart is by car, as it is located along the Maribor - Lendava motorway and thus accessible from all major and smaller airports. Roads and parking lots are arranged and marked.
Bus connections to places in the destination are arranged by long-distance bus services.
Lenart is a great destination for motorhome visits, and in recent years it has become interesting especially for cycling enthusiasts.
Distance to important neighboring cities
Ljubljana: 146 km
Vienna: 267 km
Zagreb: 134 km
Budapest: 321 km
Graz: 79 km
PESNICA
Pesnica is one of the largest municipalities in Slovenske Gorice, and it consists of the local communities of Pesnica near Maribor, Jakobski Dol, Jarenina and Pernica. The municipality is mostly hilly, as is typical for Slovenske Gorice, and it is also crossed by a motorway, which represents a fast transport connection to Maribor or to neighboring Austria.
The main road to Maribor runs through Pernica, and there is also a lake of the same name in the place, which is a paradise for recreationists and fishermen. The Church of St. Margaret in Pernica from the 14th century is a central architectural monument in the center of the market, and the predominantly agricultural land is enriched by the river Pesnica. Dragotin Šauperl was born in Pernica, the first translator of Shakespeare's Hamlet in Slovenia.
Jakobski Dol lies in the heart of the Styrian wine-growing region, and the clustered settlement is adorned by the Church of St. Jacob. Archaeological finds show that this area was inhabited as early as the Neolithic.
Jarenina is a settlement that connects Šentilj and Pernica, and was mentioned in the early Middle Ages. The church of St. Mary and a few market houses stand in the compact settlement, and the ossuary of St. Michael is also interesting near the imperial linden tree from the 19th century. The locals are proud of the Jareninski dvor mansion from the 12th century, which was once a monastery. The place is also known for the Jareninski dol landscape park with ponds, which are a shelter for riparian plants and an important stop for migratory birds.
Pesnica near Maribor began to develop with the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, and after the Second World War it was one of the centers of Slovenske Gorice. The seat of the Pesnica Administrative Unit, the seat of the new municipality, the Styrian Technology Park and many other organizations, such as the Maribor Fruit Center, where research and cultivation of various fruit varieties remain, have remained in the place.
Local offer and tourism
There are few municipalities in Slovenia that would have such a varied and diverse offer of local products and other experiences. The predominant agricultural population turned some industries to profitable activities. Thus, in this area we find many farms that produce food in an organic or integrated way, and some also accept announced groups of tourists. Many orchards can also be seen in this area, with apple orchards predominating, as well as pears and other fruits. Sales are mostly made at home or at the market.
The favorable geographical location has also been taken advantage of by many winegrowers who produce top quality wines, also on a global scale. Especially well-known are winemakers from Jakobski Dol, who every year organize open days with wine tasting, which also includes other food providers. Most winegrowers have such stylishly decorated cellars, where they offer tastings, snacks and other experiences. One of the most famous wine shops is Dveri Pax, which is one of the largest cellars in Slovenske Gorice, and they also organize various events.
When we talk about food, we cannot miss the Association of Peasant Women, which every year organizes a national competition in cooking Styrian sour soup, which has a long tradition. The event is always well attended, and the recipes are still the secret of housewives.
Many agritourisms offer opportunities to spend the night and enjoy local food, and some providers have also connected to a network where it is possible to rent electric bicycles to explore Slovenske Gorice. It is cyclists who enjoy the paths between the vineyards the most, and motorhome tourism is also developing. Visitors can enjoy nature, on many hiking trails, but they can also see Vogrin's mill, Lake Pernica or visit other providers.
The municipality of Pesnica is a suitable starting point for exploring Maribor, Slovenske Gorice and neighboring Austria. The number of providers and recreational areas is increasing every year, and providers are also connecting more and more.
SVETA ANA IN SLOVENSKE GORICE
On a high hill, above the idyllic valley of the river Ščavnica, there is a unique vantage point with views of Pohorje, the northern Slovenske Gorice, the Ščavnica valley and the hills beyond the border with Austria. This green world, surrounded by wine-growing hills, is a small rural municipality of Sveta Ana, which boasts a picturesque natural and cultural heritage, unspoiled nature, charming villages, rich folk tradition and excellent local food and top wines from St. Ana winegrowers. Few people know that the highest peak of Slovenske Gorice - Lokavec is also hidden here.
Interesting corners offer visitors countless opportunities for a variety of leisure activities, as well as many walking, hiking and cycling trails. One of them is Ana's path, along which the now traditional 1st of May walk takes place every year. The preservation of cultural heritage and forest areas is also helped by well-kept and marked learning paths, which today serve not only school lessons, but also walks through natural and cultural sights with a treasure trove of stories from the past. The school educational trail and Postič's viticultural educational trail each with their content invite you to a relaxed exploration of local sights, and the latter especially reminds us of the rich viticultural tradition at Sveta Ana. The beginnings of the viticultural tradition date back almost 200 years, when the famous doctor, fruit grower and winegrower Franc Postič lived near Sveta Ana. He cultivated around 300 wine varieties in his vineyards, including the French vine "pinot meunier", for which the Styrian winegrowers, due to his recommendations and dissemination, established the name "Blaue Postitschtraube", which means "blue postič". The municipality of Sveta Ana preserved the memory of Franc Postič with the discovery of a memorial plaque on his former house and with a comprehensive, in 2013 renovated typical brick winery on Pergarjev vrh from the beginning of the 19th century. The winery is a local cultural monument with a wine museum collection and a permanent exhibition on the life and work of Franc Postič.
The municipality of Sveta Ana is a rich treasury of preserved old houses, which revive the image of typical homesteads in Slovenia. In addition to the winery, the latter also include Grafonž's homestead from Zgornja Ščavnica and Kapl's and Perko's homestead from Dražen Vrh. Grafonž's and Kapl's homesteads are a real paradise for a few days' escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and unforgettable experiences and learning about old customs in a pleasant rural environment. At the ecological learning farm Pri Fridi, they are also aware that experiences are what count. Their learning workshops are a real journey into the past, into the time of our grandparents, into a time characterized by coexistence with nature. The farm offers you organic produce and handmade products.
For lovers of fairy-tale dimensions, we recommend a visit to tee-house Kolarič, their herb garden and dugout, where they will introduce you to the collected herbs and preparations from them, their meaning, characteristics and use. During the walk, you will definitely be greeted by bees from a nearby apiary.
The place also boasts a rich wine and culinary offer. You are invited by Gostilna Eder and many farm tourism and winegrowers: Mihelič tourist farm and other hospitable agritourism farms: Bauman, Senekovič and Šenveter and Hafner Winery. They offer traditional delicacies from local ingredients and a diverse selection of local wines, which each year achieve high marks at various evaluations.
The diverse offer of local produce and products is the result of hard work and creation of people in the countryside. Sustainability, self-sufficiency and locally grown food are the guiding principles of the locals, who are engaged in additional supply on the farm (milling, herbalism, oil production, vinegar production…).
That Sveta Ana is a place worth visiting is certainly proven by the award for the most beautiful market town in Slovenia, which the municipality received in 2018 as part of the project My country - beautiful and hospitable and the silver sign Slovenia Green destination for participation in Green scheme of Slovenian tourism and green sustainable development in the direction of quality and innovative tourism products of high added value.
Fresh air, idyllic location with beautiful views, friendly people, excellent local cuisine and fine wines and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city on vacation, hiking or biking, are just some of the reasons to visit us and spend a day, two or three among the picturesque settlements of our municipalities.
SVETI ANDRAŽ IN SLOVENSKE GORICE
The municipality of Sveti Andraž (St. Andraž) in Slovenske Gorice stretches across the hilly world of Slovenske Gorice, where from afar at the top of the hill you can see the church of St. Andrej.
It is an idyllic, charming, at first glance fairytale place where the past and the present are harmoniously connected.
The inhabitants are mostly engaged in animal husbandry, viticulture and fruit growing, but there is also a hospitality and tourist offer.
The first written mention of the Vitomarci is from 1297 on a document issued by the archbishop and kept in the Vienna State Archives, but no written documents on evidence of life and work in this area have been preserved until the middle of the 19th century.
The area of the municipality is interesting for both visitors and researchers, as it has a long history of existence. Archaeological finds, including mounds and mound cemeteries, testify to the settlement of the area, and the old Roman road between Ptuj and Gornja Radgona also leads through Vitomarci.
Visit the church of St. Andrej, which reigns on a hill above the Pesnica valley and from where the view extends from Donačka gora, across Pohorje all the way to the Austrian Koralps. In the nave part of the building, firing lines are visible, which we associate with the permission of the Salzburg Viceroy, issued in 1297, to build a defensive tower with residential premises to defend against the Ogres. The later endangerment of the place in the Ottoman invasions is also evidenced by a legend written in the parish chronicle, namely that the church was built between pines and spruces so that the invaders would not see it.
There are three plague signs in the area of the municipality, which testify to group graves when the plague killed in the area, and it is also interesting to hear the oral tradition about the plague survivors circulating among the inhabitants.
Education also has a long tradition, as the first mentions of the implementation of lessons are mentioned as early as 1791. Once an old school, today it is a municipal building, which houses a permanent exhibition of the development of education in the Municipality of St. Andraž, briefly introduces us to the implementation of education in our country. In the museum's interactive classroom, located in the Vitomarci Branch Primary School, you can experience the lessons experienced by our grandparents. Strict teachers, a stick in the corner, sitting still and straight in a bench, and kneeling on corn in disobedience take you to school 100 years ago.
If you want to learn how to work and make a living as a small farmer, the best way is to visit Hrga's homestead. The thatched cimper-house offers you an insight into how a farmer's life unfolded more than 100 years ago. At the homestead, local associations hold workshops showing old customs, in which you can also try yourself, various cultural events, tourist guides, and the bravest have the opportunity to spend the night on straw.
You can also experience the hospitality of the residents on tourist farms, wine shops and museums in your own private (Čuček and Gomzi Museum).
When thinking about where to retreat from everyday worries and constant hustle and bustle, don’t forget the countryside, where peace, nature and genuine, hospitable and simple people prevail.
Tourist farm "Pri Marti" is located in the heart of Drbetinci. On the farm, in addition to accommodation, abundant, varied and home-grown food, they serve you several varieties of homemade drops, which you can pour yourself in the stone cellar. For larger groups who like to spend their time in nature, it is possible to rent barbecue place. The space under the hayrack is suitable for various activities, as there is a small pond, a grassy playground in the immediate vicinity, as well as animation for the youngest and the use of children's toys.
On the Drbetinci hill, which offers a beautiful view of the valley, stands the tourist farm ‚Pri kapeli‘. The family makes sure that guests who come to their farm remember this part of Slovenia fondly. When you smell food, the delicacies of traditional Slovenian cuisine from home-grown food come to the table. The farm offers products from home storage: jams, cottage cheese spreads, butter, meat products, homemade bread, teas, apple juice and other apple products. In the company of a sommelier, they offer you a tour of the wine cellar with tasting.
The lower part of Drbetinci is home to top-quality SiSi wines. The Druzovič family has been involved in cellaring for more than a hundred years. The art of growing vines, producing and processing wine has been passed down from father to son for several generations. At the homestead, they bring you closer to the history of the development of viticulture and winemaking, serve home-made products, and it is also possible to buy top-quality, award-winning wines.
The beginning of beekeeping in the area of the municipality goes back a long way. Some of the most recognizable men who have left their mark in the development of beekeeping come from the area of the Municipality of St. Andraž. Interesting facts and tastings of honey products are presented to you by the members of the Vitomarci Beekeepers' Association, together with the Fridau Beekeeping, where you can also buy honey and honey products.
For all of you who like to return to nature, as it offers us the most, if we know how to use it, the right address is the natural science educational society Sapientia and the ecological farm Forštnerič. On the farm, they run workshops caring for local produce in a natural way, producing teas, natural cosmetics and nutritional supplements that you can buy on the farm or through the online store.
Life in the area of the municipality of St. Andraž is very socially developed and it is worth mentioning some traditional events that take place and attract both locals and visitors: Sandi‘s Memorial - a multi-day sporting event, Wine in a Glass of St. Andraž - culinary oenological event, Rope pulling for the Prekmec‘ Cup - sporting event, cultural events - Love in the village and fun games performed by a well-known local cultural association.
SVETI JURIJ IN SLOVENSKE GORICE
Municipality of St. Jurij in Slovenske Gorice is one of the youngest municipalities in Slovenia. It lies on the northern edge of the central Slovenske Gorice. It spreads over a varied 34 km2, where meadows and fields predominate, which turn into forest on shady slopes. The center of the municipality is the settlement of Jurovski Dol, which is one of the typical villages in Slovenske Gorice with a "valley" along which the Globovnica stream flows.
The municipality is named after the church saint St. Jurij, who was the patron saint of knights, soldiers, as well as farmers, stockbreeders and winegrowers. The Gothic church is also dedicated to him, the largest cultural and architectural monument in the place, which at the same time represents the dominant, in 2012 renovated village core, which also consists of a cultural center, Slomšek-home, parish and Špindler restaurant. East of the church is an old cemetery surrounded by stone walls. In the center of Jurovski Dol is a modern primary school named after the famous Slovenian writer, sculptor, painter and teacher Jože Hudales, who lived in Jurovski Dol for many years and taught many generations of children at the local school.
Every year in April and May, St. Jurij Days (Jurjevi dnevi) take place in the settlement, reviving the rich cultural heritage of the place with folklore and peasant games. The highlight of St. Jurij's Days is St. Jurij's Sunday, when the central square in Jurovski Dol is especially lively and full, as on this day we can follow the procession and blessing of horses led by St. Jurij, a solemn mass, a brass band and a rich accompanying program.
Municipality of St. Jurij in Slovenske Gorice in recent years, with the help of applying for EU funds, it has built a central cleaning plant for the settlement of Jurovski Dol. With the completion of the project Transport connection of the urban center with the motorway, even the village core itself and culture-hall were renovated. As part of the renovation of the village core, a walking path was also arranged - Hajnč's path, which leads as a shortcut and a walking path to the center of Jurovski Dol for years. More than 20 years ago, the villager Janez Bauman - Hajnč showed a great desire to arrange the route and started the work himself. After his death in 2003, the path remained abandoned, the Municipality of St. Jurij in Slovenske Gorice, as part of the project Arrangement of the village core Jurovski Dol, in 2012 it was completely renovated and named after him. The trail leads to the Outdoor Gym, which came to life at the end of 2019 and was co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. With the Outdoor Gym we want to encourage and support a healthy lifestyle, not only athletes who join the Sports Association, but also to take care of the active aging of citizens and to establish intergenerational cooperation.
In 2016, the village core acquired another landmark, as Roškar's vine, a descendant of the Old Vine from Maribor - the oldest vine in the world - was planted on the green between the cultural and Slomšek's home. The vine is named after the local Ivan Roškar, Minister of Agriculture and Member of Parliament in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.
As part of the Revival of the Market Core project, a book about Ivan Roškar, authored by Milena Kokol, a history and geography teacher, and Aleksandar Purgaj, an amateur historian, was also published. At the end of August 2019, it was presented to the general public at an event called the Symposium on the Farmer and Politician Under His Vine.
There are also many associations in the municipality that give a stamp to life and events in the place. The Ivan Cankar Cultural Society is proud to boast of the Jurovčan Folklore Group, which has been operating continuously since 1973 and has danced various dances from all over Slovenia and presented various customs over the decades. Recently, the Jurovski oktet (Octet of St. Jurij) has been active within the cultural association. There is no lack of sports activities in the place, as within the Sports Association has been germinated by good athletes since they were children, with football players predominating. Great support among the citizens is enjoyed by the members of the local Voluntary Fire Community, which take care of the fire safety of locals and residents of the surrounding areas, and also place great emphasis on the training of young firefighters.
It is also worth mentioning the housewives from the Association of Housewives, who provide home-made culinary delicacies at every major event, as well as organize numerous cooking courses, which allow their members to acquire new knowledge and skills. Local winegrowers produce a good drop of wine, their main event is the Martinovanje event, which is now traditionally held every year on the square in Jurovski Dol. They upgrade their operations with the selection of wines and the viticultural tasks that need to be done on Roškar's vine throughout the year. One of the most numerous associations is the Association of Pensioners, which is primarily concerned with socializing and connecting citizens in the autumn of life. We must not forget the Beekeeping Society, which tries to pass on knowledge about bees to younger generations with an organized training apiary.
SVETA TROJICA IN SLOVENSKE GORICE
Sveta Trojica in Slovenske Gorice is a settlement with a compact core at the top of a lookout ridge, which bows to travelers from afar and invites visitors to visit.
In the heart of Slovenske Gorice, a hill rises above the lake, on which stands a mighty baroque church dedicated to the Holy Trinity (Sveta Trojica). The mighty Church of the Holy Trinity is adorned with three equally high and equally made bell towers, symbolizing the Triune God. The church gives the place a special charm, and its origin is evidenced by a local legend, which was passed down from generation to generation. Legend has it that the locals chose the area under the hill where the lake is today to build the church. Since three lights or stars of special shapes appeared on the hill every night, they decided otherwise. Even the oxen with which the locals drove stones from a nearby quarry did not want to go to the valley, but, as legend has it, wanted to go up the hill. This was understood by the locals as a sign of God's presence, so in 1631 a small wooden chapel dedicated to the Holy Spirit was erected on the hill, which was very popular. They soon decided to build a larger church, which was dedicated to the Holy Trinity due to the legend of the unusual display of three lights, and it was then that the place began to be named after her. The church became a famous pilgrimage route far and wide and due to the large number of visitors it was enlarged and given a baroque image. With the enlargement of the church, they also upgraded and beautified the monastery. The church is a baroque masterpiece, and although as a building it is not uniform, this can in no way be claimed for its interior, which is connected into a unique whole. The church is adorned with a beautiful baroque altar with mighty pillars, statues and angelic figures and a famous painting above the altar, which represents the mystery of the Holy Trinity and is one of the three largest in Slovenia. The six side altars are no less remarkable. Another special feature is the famous Loreto chapel with a statue of the Black Mary with the Child of God. The church must also boast of the church organ, which has been renovated several times and is the third largest in Slovenia
The monastery hides a monastery library within its walls, which contains over 3,000 valuable manuscripts and books from the period before 1800, the oldest of which are even from the 15th century. The monastery also has a museum collection showing religious and cultural activities in the Trinity Monastery and in the life of the Holy Trinity. The museum's collection includes various exhibits from valuable liturgical objects to household, carpentry, glass and other objects, which are a rarity and past today.
In addition to the church and the monastery complex, the place also boasts a 700 m2 large monastery cellar, which is one of the largest and the most beautiful cellar in the world in terms of its varied architecture. It was originally used as an outbuilding, as it housed a wide variety of goods. After the renovation in 2011, it is called the St. Martin's Protocol and Exhibition Center and is used for a variety of purposes, from wine tastings to civil wedding ceremonies, various exhibitions, banquets, protocol evenings and receptions and a variety of events. At various events, local winegrowers with top-quality wines, local housewives with traditional gibanica baking, ocvirkovca and home-made bread, and producers of organic cheese products are presented.
Sveta Trojica in Slovenske Gorice has been known since the 17th century as a place where people loved to come. Pilgrimages, sometimes attended by more than 12,000 people a day, have survived to this day. Miraculous healings have also been reported, which is not uncommon, as radiologists in the area of the church, monastery and Lake Trojica have discovered more than fifty energy points that have a beneficial effect or can help treat a variety of diseases (cancer, tumors, rheumatism, asthma, depression, diabetes, digestive disorders, various pains, cardiovascular diseases, pneumonia, ...). Twenty-two of the most distinctive and interesting energy points are properly marked and arranged and invite you to stop by them.
For lovers of natural sights, our municipality hides a very special surprise in the form of Lake Trojica.
In front of the monastery cellar and the monastery garden, we invite you to walk up the stone pilgrimage stairs to the idyllic Trojica Lake. Along the stairs, in the embrace of the forest, there is a Stations of the Cross, and when lovers of natural beauty descend to the lake, a triangular-shaped chapel awaits you there. The chapel stands on the site that, according to legend, was originally intended for the construction of the church, and the reason for its triangular shape is found in the Holy Trinity as the triune god and in the legend of the three lights.
Part of the path along the lake is suitable for cycling, and there is also a pleasant walking path around the lake (45 minutes walk). Along the way, you can stop at one of the many energy points within the Sveta Trojica Health Park. The lake offers countless opportunities for leisure, recreationists, fishermen and peace seekers.
The place is intensively committed to the development of boutique tourism and also wants to present itself to casual visitors as a place where natural, cultural and gastronomic potentials come together. In the surrounding area, local vendors will delight you with traditional delicacies such as the famous ocvirkovca and gibanica, a selection of handmade and high quality organic dairy products from their own organic cow, sheep and goat milk from free range farming Eco Farm and Cheese production Kekec, at tastings in idyllic In the monastery cellar you can taste protocol wines from the area of the municipality.
The municipality is also adorned with a square core consisting of classicist market buildings, mostly from the 19th century, arranged lower below the church and monastery. Among others, Ivan Cankar, one of the greatest and most convincing Slovenian writers, poets and playwrights, also lived here for some time. You can walk past the Polič Chapel, the statues of St. John the Hermit and the monument to the locals who fell during World War II. World War.
The path can take you to the surrounding area, where you can see the Rupnik line in Gočova, a system of fortifications that the Kingdom of Yugoslavia began to build along the borders before the Second World War in defense against Italian attacks. You can also see the abandoned quarry in Osek, which is considered one of the few quarries in Slovenia in which the rock was mined underground. It was used as a building material, for example, for the church of Benedikt and the Holy Three Kings (Sveti Trije Kralji), for the nursing castle and partly also for the church on Ptujska Gora. You can also stop at the tourist farm Gungl or Postružnik farm, which offer a place for picnics and sports activities, or relax on the beautiful clearing in the middle of the forest, where the hunting lodge stands. Dobrava forrest is included in the list of Natura 2000 sites as a special conservation area. You can also visit the self-sufficient farm Milimir, because the owners will be happy to share with you the story of 80% self-sufficiency and food they grow with love.
You can upgrade your gourmet visit with a visit to Gočovski dvorec, where a treasure trove of gourmet creations comes from the hands of the founders of the Styrian Culinary House.
They draw their daily inspiration in the local environment, where the tradition and tastes of local producers conjure up ideas for unique dishes.
ŠENTILJ
The municipality of Šentilj borders the Republic of Austria on its northern side, extends all the way to the Pannonian Plain in the east, and begins to climb the hills of Slovenske Gorice to the south. Due to the great diversity and size, the municipality is divided into local communities Ceršak, Sladki vrh, Šentilj and Velka. The landscape is very watery, and most of the water is drained by the Mura River. With the partial damming of the Mura in Ceršak, the only Slovenian hydroelectric power plant on the Mura river is operating.
The hilly landscape requires more difficult farming conditions, but with the help of the municipality, agricultural activity is maintained, especially by encouraging complementary activities on farms and their conversion to tourist farms and wine shops. It is a support to rural development and a source of livelihood for most farms in the municipality. The municipality also encourages the development of small businesses and entrepreneurship.
In Sladki vrh there is a paper factory Paloma, which is an important driver of economic development, and in the immediate vicinity is the very famous ferry on the Mura river, which transports hikers, cyclists and other recreationists across the Mura free of charge during the season.
The Šentilj settlement has a very clustered design. The older part lies next to the church of St. Egidij from the 14th century, and the newer part extends to the east, along the road towards Sladki vrh. The place is slowly turning into a sleeping settlement, as citizens largely migrate daily to work in neighboring Austria.
Velka was first mentioned by the name Welich in 1319. The settlement in the north of the central part of Slovenske Gorice consists of farms, explained by hills between the valleys of the upper course of the river Ščavnica and the stream Velka. Next to the famous pilgrimage church of Marija Snežna stands the compact core of the village, in which a rich social, cultural and artistic activity has developed.
Local offer and tourism
The proximity of Austria, the river Mura and enterprising locals are the reason that the local offer in the area of Šentilj has developed a little faster than in the rest of Slovenske Gorice. Already in the very center of Šentilj we can find the Stara klet winery, and on the surrounding hills the wine offer is enriched by many other winegrowers, such as the Perko winery. The market cores of the main settlements of local communities provide numerous culinary delights with numerous catering establishments, while authentic tourist food is provided at the Sirk tourist farm, the Nikl tourist farm, the Dreier family winery and many other farms.
The offer is also significantly influenced by many beekeepers who are united in beekeeping families, with the Sopl Beekeeping with its own museum and visit to the apiary.
Just in front of the Trate border crossing stands a mansion where you can see various exhibitions, and an important artistic contribution is also the Methans House with a museum and gallery.
The already mentioned Mura-ferry represents an important transport connection between Austria and Slovenia. It has stood on this site for 150 years and is today one of four still riding down the river. At the same time, it is also a unique international border crossing. Today, it is mainly used by tourists, as they use international boats to connect international cycling routes and footpaths.
Zgornja Velka is the scene of many events, and a pilgrimage church reigns in the beautifully landscaped market town. The place is known for its panoramic views of Slovenske Gorice.
The municipality is a paradise for cyclists, hikers and other recreationists, as well-maintained trails continue both inland and across the border.
