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Škofja Loka – Sv. Andrej (St. Andreas)

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The wider region of Škofja Loka consists of two valleys, Poljanska dolina and Selška dolina, which are both populated with some bigger villages and towns. All around and above the valleys are pretty steep hills of Škofjeloško hribovje. On their slopes and in some small and narrow valleys are countless small dispersed settlements, lone farms and small churches. A lot of those churches are built on the top of the hills or on the places which overlook the surroundings. One can not help but think of them as a kind of communication channel – not only connecting settlements in prayer but also advertise an event or even danger, as it was the case in 15th century Turkish invasion.

St. Andreas is one of them – a really small and dispersed settlement and a church with a View, only a few minutes drive from Škofja Loka.

St. Andreas can be reached through the narrow Hrastnica valley, a side valley of Poljanska dolina, which connect Škofja Loka with Polhov gradec. It is positioned on the ridge between two narrow gorges – the area is full of gorges, which are usually called “grapa”. Great views are awaiting the visitor –  of the city of Škofja Loka, of the Karavanke mountains, Kamnik – Savinja Alps and of the king of the Škofja Loka – the mighty Mt. Lubnik.

The church is Late Gothic, dating to between 1520 and 1530. The nave was vaulted in 1831. The frescos in the sanctuary, behind the altar, and one on the exterior were painted by Jernej of Loka at the time the church was built and most of the remaining decoration is from the 17th century. (wikipedia)

 

Unfortunately we have visited it just after the meadows were cut – views are much nicer with the high grass and flowers but also in the snow and early autumn the place is worth a visit.

Nothing much can be added to the description. We have continued a few hundred meters through the woods though to find some nice rural motifs – old farm utility architecture at its best.

The views from the “back entrance” were not bad either.

Check out other locations with photogenic churches and great views: St. Thomas and Križna gora.

Text and edit: Zoran Leban Trojar

 

 

Škofja Loka – Križna gora

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Križna gora is a small settlement NW of Škofja Loka. It is situated on the ridge above Selška dolina valley which together with Poljanska dolina valley constitute the Škofja Loka area. The village and its church of the Holy Cross are visible from afar what is usually a good sign for the views from the spot in question and Križna gora does not dissapoint.

Sorško polje plain is almost entirely in the view and the town of Škofja Loka lies just bellow your feet – at least when the plain is not covered with fog. To the north the peaks of Kamnik Savinja Alps and Karavanke mountain ridge mark the view.

Mt. Kočna, Mt. Grintavec and Mt. Storžič are the most remarkable among these peaks – photographers and followers of @igslovenia would remember them from the photos of the famous Sveti Tomaž (St. Thomas), which in fact lies just accross the Selška dolina valley.

However, the plain and its surroundings are already visible  from the road to Križna gora, from the village itself and from the dirt road leading to the Church of Holy Cross – all you have to do is pick your view and motif – while  photographing the village and church of St. Thomas and the hills above the Selška dolina valley demand some searching and crossing the meadows which are not to be crossed in all seasons. We recommend the short trail which leads to the watter collector which can be easily spotted from the road to the church soon after you pass this idyllic vintage rural spot.

There is about 15 minutes walk from the village to the church on the top of the hill.

The best motifs differ by the season. weather, time of the day and your taste and equipment – just make sure to go around and cover all angles!

Thel church on a hill above the settlement is dedicated to the Holy Cross and was built around 1500. It contains many well-preserved frescos from 1502 that depict the legends of Saint Ulrich, to whom the church was dedicated until 1867, and of Saint Corbinian. Some of the frescos in the nave, dating to around 1530, are believed to be by Jernej of Loka. The hill with the church and a Lodge of the Hunters Society bellow the hill is a popular destination for short outings by locals. /source: wikipedia/

Križna gora offers many photo opportunities but also great views of the area per se. A trip to the village is also a great insight into the way of life in the rural villages in the Škofja Loka area and a nice trip to the mostly unspoiled nature. It is also pretty easy to adjust the lenght and the fitness level of the trip – hiking all the way from Škofja Loka, starting just before the start of the ascent or driving to the village and just hike around.

Check out other locations in the Škofja Loka area with a photogenic church and great views: St. Andreas and St. Thomas.

Text and photos: Zoran Leban Trojar