Slum – Frescoes, Hiking Trails and Mountain Scenery

Slum offers a special focus on Late Gothic church art and a variety of opportunities for hiking through mountain landscapes. Cultural interest centers on the frescoes in St. Matthew’s Church; for outdoor activity, there is a summit loop and a trail from Buzet railway station.

Church Art and an Ancient Linden Tree

The Late Gothic sanctuary of St. Matthew’s Church in Slum contains restored frescoes; a Glagolitic inscription dates them to 1555. The paintings include the Annunciation, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection, as well as Saint George slaying the dragon. Particularly rare is the unified composition of Saint George and the Harrowing of Hell: it is one of only three surviving examples of its kind in Istria.

The frescoes also depict saints and prophets. Their figures are painted in the Renaissance manner, while the iconography remains medieval. Above the present-day altar, God the Father is shown holding an orb; he blesses with his right hand. This makes it possible to distinguish both the subjects depicted and the contrast between the style of the figures and the visual language.

Beside St. Matthew’s Church stands a broad-canopied linden tree with a hollow trunk. It is considered the oldest linden tree in Istria. Check its condition when visiting in person.

Hikes Between the Summit and the Plateau Edge

A circular hike from Slum leads to the 1,014-meter-high summit of Žbevnica. It crosses a mountain landscape with wide-ranging views, passes the eastern edge of the village of Brest, and returns to Slum through the forest. The route thus combines a summit destination, open scenery, and a wooded return.

For a walk from Buzet railway station, a marked hiking trail leads to the edge of the stepped plateau. From there, Slum is about two kilometers away on foot. You can retrace the same route or choose a loop via the plateau edge and the railway station. With suitable visibility, the trail along the plateau edge offers views of Buzet, the Mirna Valley, and much of Istria. Markings and trail conditions may change; check them before setting out. The route options therefore offer two alternatives: the summit loop from Slum and the trail from Buzet railway station, with a choice between retracing your steps and taking a loop.

More Activities

The Raspadalica launch site is suitable for launching gliders and hang gliders. Separate restrictions apply to some flights; check the relevant requirements before making specific plans. Mountain biking enthusiasts visit the Raspadalica viewpoint on Ćićarija.

A pit near Slum has a vertical entrance and descends to a depth of 60 meters. If you plan this activity, check current access and the operator’s rules in advance.

Discover more destinations: Klenovšćak, Lanišće, Jelovice.

Return to the main travel overview: Općina Lanišće.