Stari Trg Pri Ložu: Church, Wells and Archaeology

The historical highlights of Stari Trg pri Ložu range from the parish church of St. George and distinctive wells to archaeological findings at Ulaka and in the Gradišče area. These sites belong to different periods and can therefore be considered separately.

Parish Church of St. George: Building History and Frescoes

The parish church of St. George has a Romanesque, three-aisled layout and was first mentioned in writing in 1221. A Baroque redesign followed in the mid-18th century; during major renovations around 1761, vaults were added to the church naves. The year 1221 refers to the first written mention; the structural changes date to the 18th century.

St. George is a pilgrimage church. During the Ottoman incursions, the detached bell tower served as a fortress. Old frescoes from the renovation period have been preserved, extending across the entire attic wall. The term “three-aisled” describes the division of the church interior into three naves; the vaults and frescoes add later design elements to this architectural and artistic perspective.

Wells as Technical Cultural Heritage

Two masonry wells dating from the late 19th century have a counterweighted swing mechanism. They are the only ones of their kind in Slovenia and are considered exceptional technical cultural heritage. While the church tells its history through its architecture and frescoes, the wells’ technical construction takes center stage. One of the two wells is on the main road at the entrance to Stari Trg pri Ložu.

Archaeological Traces at Ulaka

The hill of Ulaka lies above Stari Trg pri Ložu and was already inhabited in prehistoric times. Large defensive ramparts have survived on its northern and eastern sides. Excavations also uncovered the remains of houses arranged in rows and a smithy; the smithy points to a well-developed blacksmithing craft. The surviving fortifications and the excavated settlement and workshop remains represent different parts of the archaeological picture. If you are interested in early settlement, Ulaka thus brings together evidence of fortifications, residential areas and craft activity.

Gradišče: Alternative Archaeological Interpretations

In the Gradišče area of Stari Trg, a defensive rampart and the remains of towers at three corners were excavated. The remains are interpreted either as a fortified late Roman country estate or as a fortified late antique rural villa with a portico. These two terms are different interpretations of the same site, not two independent complexes. A portico is a colonnade and adds an architectural feature to the interpretation.

Practical Information

If you are travelling by e-bike, there is a service and charging station at MGC Gaber in Stari Trg pri Ložu. Chargers can be borrowed by prior arrangement. Arrange to borrow one in advance and check the operating details before your trip. As of August 2026, the Tourist Information Centre’s address is Cesta Notranjskega odreda 24 in Stari Trg pri Ložu; check the current contact details before travelling.

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