St. Stephen's Parish Church

St. Stephen's Parish Church is a parish building at the center of Ribnica featuring gray stone, marble altars, and frescoes with biblical themes. The interior is shaped by colorful paintings and classical architectural elements that combine harmoniously into a cohesive whole.

The original sanctuary dates to around 1000 but was damaged repeatedly by fires and earthquakes, requiring reconstruction. The current structure was built between 1866 and 1868, establishing the form it maintains today.

The main altar features a painting of Saint Stephen by Slovenian impressionist Ivan Grohar, while the Stations of the Cross were created by Matija Kozelj. These artworks shape the interior's character and reflect the artistic traditions of the region.

The building is open during weekend services and also welcomes visitors interested in exploring its architectural details and religious objects. It helps to visit outside of service times to view the interior at a comfortable pace.

Renowned architect Joze Plecnik contributed to restoring the church towers, which were rebuilt through 1960 following World War II damage. This architectural intervention by a major Slovenian artist makes the building a distinctive example of post-war restoration.

Location: Municipality of Ribnica

GPS coordinates: 45.73792,14.72780

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:44