Kostanjevica na Krki monastery

Kostanjevica na Krki monastery is a Cistercian monastery in Slovenia featuring extensive arcades and a Gothic church on a marshy plain near the Krka River. The complex now houses an art museum and sculpture park within its grounds.

The monastery was founded in 1234 by Duke Bernard Spanheim and his wife Juta as a Cistercian center. It underwent major renovations during the 15th century, including the construction of a bell tower.

The art museum within the complex displays paintings from old masters and wooden sculptures created through the Forma Viva workshops. This collection shows how the site became a center for artistic activity in the 20th century.

The monastery is located at Grajska cesta 45 in Kostanjevica na Krki and welcomes visitors to explore its grounds. Guided tours can be arranged through the museum administration for a comprehensive experience of the complex.

The monastery grounds contain a Palaeolithic archaeological site, revealing that the region was inhabited since the Stone Age. A sculpture park with modern art installations occupies the outdoor spaces, creating an unexpected blend of ancient and contemporary art.