St. Anna

St. Anna above Lake Podpeč on Ljubljana Marshes is a perfect getaway from a hustle and bustle of Ljubljana. Only a short drive  from the city (like 15 minutes) plus a short walk (20 or 30 minutes) … there is this amazing small church built on a hill with the same name – St. Anna.

St. Anna is a church you can see from far away and it offers some amaaaaazing views of Ljubljana Marshes. It stands on a steep slope above the old Podpeč Quarry. As the hill juts out like a huge pier above the Barje, the view from the platform around the church is amazingly beautiful and vast, for it embraces the entire Ljubljansko barje from Škofljica to Vrhnika. In its present form, the Church of St. Anna has stood here since the end of the 16th century, when built on foundations of an old Gothic church. The main pilgrimage gathering is held on Sunday after St. Anna’s Day (26th July).

We (meaning team Igslovenia – @zokus_gf, me & Tara, our dog:)) prefer leaving our car near Lake Podpeč and then going a little bit uphill to ‘climb’ to the top. It usually takes us just around half of an hour and it gives us the pleasure of being just a little tired while reaching the church at the top. Plus – there is a city bus going from Ljubljana to Jezero (Lake Podpeč) and back every half of an  hour … so … if you don’t mind a short walk uphill St. Ana is reachable even if you don’t drive.

If you have a car and (or) you are not a fan of walking uphill … go towards village Preserje and leave your car just before the village. The walk will be a little bit shorter and easier.

Beside the church … there is nothing at the top … just views … wherever you look … there are amazing views. So – bring some water … sit down, relax and enjoy. Best time to visit St. Ana is, of course, sunrise or sunset. I prefer – sunsets. Just be careful … if you are going up or down in the dark … bring some lights with you!

Enjoy and check out other spots around Ljubljana Marshes: Lake Podpeč, Ižica and Snake’s Head Fritillary Meadow!

By @sanya_lt.