Sveta Gora, Minor basilica on Mount Sveta Gora, Slovenia
Sveta Gora is a basilica located on a hilltop in Slovenia with a three-nave interior and a side aisle. The building measures 72 meters long and 22 meters wide, displaying architectural layers from multiple periods of construction.
The original church was destroyed by Turkish forces in 1496, prompting reconstruction work between 1514 and 1544. After this rebuilding, the site became an important pilgrimage destination that has continued to this day.
The sanctuary has drawn pilgrims for centuries seeking protection and blessing from the Virgin Mary. It remains a central religious destination for people across the region who come to express their faith.
The site sits on a hillside with a climb to reach it, but the paths are well marked and accessible. Interior spaces with the museum may have varying hours depending on the season, so it is worth checking ahead of your visit.
A bronze relief sculpture of the Madonna from the 12th century was discovered in Grgar and ranks among the oldest religious artworks in the collection. This rare piece reveals artistic techniques that had long disappeared from the region by the time the basilica was rebuilt.
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