Discover Petrovče: Church Art, the Castle and Local Traditions

Petrovče brings together religious art, architectural history and local traditions with hiking opportunities and cycling options. If you are looking for a hotel in Petrovče, you can plan your stay around these themes: are you mainly interested in church art and historical details, would you like to include a summer exhibition, or set aside time for a hike or a cycling activity? These different focuses can help you match your interests to your travel dates.

Church Art and Architectural History

The Marian shrine in Petrovče was elevated to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984. The so-called Plainer Altar, dating from 1605, is the church’s oldest altar. The Teržan Chapel is another historical landmark: it was built in the first half of the 18th century. After its restoration, it received a statue of Mary, Queen of Peace. The statue comes from a demolished memorial chapel in Arja vas.

Next to the church in Petrovče stands the group known as the Petrovški križi: three life-size stone figures created in the mid-18th century by the late Baroque sculptor Vid Königer of Graz. After the Second World War, the figures were moved to the church because the Celje–Ljubljana road was being widened. Both the period when the sculptures were made and their later relocation are part of their history.

Novo Celje Castle: Details and Exhibitions

Statues of Samson and Hercules, a work by sculptor Vid Königer, adorn the entrance to Novo Celje Castle. Parts of the original furnishings have been preserved and can be seen in the hall, the reconstructed chapel and the staircase. The castle hosts contemporary art exhibitions during the summer months. Alongside the sacred artworks, Novo Celje offers another cultural focus for planning your trip. The summer exhibitions are distinct in timing from the architectural and artistic details that have been preserved permanently.

Remembrance, Nature and Local Traditions

Next to the school in Petrovče stand a central monument to the victims of the Second World War and a bust of Miroslav Širca. Remembrance ceremonies are held there every year on All Souls’ Day. Another landmark is the linden tree beside the village church: according to local tradition, it is about a hundred years old and is under the professional supervision of the Celje Regional Unit of the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation.

Local events include maize husking and a chestnut picnic in Mala Pirešica. Košnja po starem is a recurring traditional mowing event at the Obrezov kozolec in Zaloška Gorica. These events offer a different focus from architectural and art history, highlighting local customs and events in various places.

Hiking and Cycling

The Petrovče Tourist Association participates in the Hmeljska pot programme. The hike along this route begins and ends in Novo Celje. This gives you a specific starting and ending point for planning, without conflating the hike with other activities.

A tourist cycling route takes in Žalec, Petrovče and Šempeter, inviting visitors to cross the Savinja and explore the hills above the river. It offers a different perspective on the trip from the hike that starts and ends in Novo Celje. If you would like to plan your stay around a castle exhibition or a local event, check the relevant dates and visiting arrangements in advance. For the cycling route, check the route details before setting off.

Choose Your Travel Dates Based on Your Interests

For a focus on historical art, the basilica, the Plainer Altar, the Teržan Chapel, the Petrovški križi and the details at the castle each offer different subjects to explore. The castle exhibitions, by contrast, are part of the summer programme; local events each have their own dates. If you are looking for a hotel in Petrovče, you can first decide whether you want your stay to focus mainly on art and architectural history, a particular event, or an outdoor activity. This lets you plan your trip around your chosen theme rather than treating the different activities as a single experience.

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