Šentjur: Culture, Railway History and Cycling Routes

Šentjur brings together the town’s cultural history, railway connections, cycling routes and nearby places to visit. You can compare the specific options with your planned itinerary.

History and Culture in Zgornji trg

Zgornji trg is Šentjur’s old market square and was first mentioned in 1340 as a settlement around the Church of St George. Ipavec House has stood in Zgornji trg since 1760 and is the birthplace of the Ipavec dynasty. The house contains a permanent exhibition about the family.

The present-day Church of St George was built between 1708 and 1721 on the site of an early Gothic church. The Baroque building comprises a nave, side chapels and an attached bell tower. The old market square thus brings together the town’s history and a clearly documented building history.

The Galerija Zgornji trg Šentjur is located in former cellars at Ipavčeva 17 in Zgornji trg. Five to six exhibitions by local and visiting artists are held there each year. The works on display also include a plague monument from Marija Dobje dated 1641.

Opposite the parish church are the TIC Šentjur and, alongside it, the Zakladi Rifnika museum collection. Confirm the TIC’s location before your trip. Zgornji trg thus brings historical sights, exhibition spaces and visitor information together in one place.

Railway and Cycling Routes

The Museum of the Southern Railway Šentjur is located at Šentjur railway station. It features a reconstruction of the historic station from the period when the Graz–Celje railway line was built. Below the museum, you can sample wines from local winemakers at the Winegrowers Learning Basement; confirm availability before your visit. Šentjur Tour is on the Southern Railway. Rail services at the destination are operated by Slovenske železnice, the Slovenian Railways. Check timetables and ticket information before travelling.

Both circular cycling routes are 34 kilometres long, but their described routes and starting points differ. “The Song of the Southern Railway” starts in Šentjur, passes the ponds of Blagovna and goes over Sveta Uršula Hill above Dramlje to Hotunje and Ponikva. You can start “The Path of Good Energy” in Zgornji trg, at Šentjur railway station, in Ponikva or at the car park by the bus stop in Dramlje. Route conditions and access may change; check the current situation before setting out.

Trips and Activities Nearby

In Osredek, near Šentjur, Mlin Umetnin’s pottery workshop takes place in a more than 200-year-old mill whose wheel is still powered by water. The experience includes a guided tour of the farmstead and pottery workshop, as well as materials for making an item that participants can take home.

Nearby Rifnik Archaeological Park is open year-round. It preserves the foundations of two early Christian churches and seven houses, as well as fortification walls with watchtowers and a well. Access conditions may change, so it is advisable to check before visiting.

Lake Slivnica, near Šentjur, is suitable for water sports. Its surroundings are ideal for walking and cycling, as well as observing rare animals and plants. Conditions and access may vary seasonally; take this into account when planning a visit.

Šentjurjevo, the largest tourist event in the Municipality of Šentjur, takes place every year in late April. Exact dates and the programme vary each year. There is also a free treasure hunt in Šentjur for families, which takes about 25 minutes. Find out about the activity and the app before your trip.

When choosing a hotel, you can first decide whether your stay will focus mainly on Zgornji trg and its cultural sites, railway history, a cycling tour or trips in the surrounding area. Then compare the specific location and amenity details for each hotel offer with your travel dates and plans.

Discover more destinations: Razbor

Return to the main travel overview: Šentjur Pri Celju.