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Sv. Miklavž na Gori

St. Nicholas Church, known locally as Sv. Miklavž na Gori, is a historical and architectural gem nestled in the picturesque Tuhinjska Valley in Slovenia. This church, perched on a hill above the village of Gradišče, is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region.
The current structure of St. Nicholas Church dates back to the early 18th century, specifically between 1721 and 1730. The church is a fine example of Gothic architecture, with later Baroque influences. The building underwent significant renovations and expansions during this period, including the addition of a presbytery with a vault, a sacristy, and an extension of the church's height and length.

One of the most striking features of the church is its coffered ceiling, which was meticulously restored by the Ljubljana Restoration Center over seven years and completed in May 2004. The ceiling features paintings of St. Matthew and St. Nicholas, adding to the church's artistic value.

The church houses four altars, each with its own unique history and artistic significance. The main altar, crafted in 1741 by Gaber Bergant's workshop in Kamnik, is a wooden masterpiece of Baroque architecture. It features an oil painting of St. Nicholas by the renowned painter Valentin Metzinger, which was restored in 1920 and even exhibited in Paris around 1990.

The two side altars, located on the inner side of the presbytery vault, showcase Baroque illusionism from the mid-18th century. The left altar features a painting of St. Lucy, while the right altar displays a painting of St. Mark. The northern wall of the church is adorned with an altar dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, with paintings by the artist Jelovšek dating back to 1724.

The history of St. Nicholas Church is deeply intertwined with the local community and the broader historical context of the region. Archaeological excavations conducted at the end of the 20th century revealed the foundations of two older churches on the site. One of these churches, dating back to the 13th century, was built in the Gothic style, while the other, older church dates back to the period between 500 and 600 AD and was constructed in the Romanesque style.

During World War II, the church suffered damage when German forces destroyed some of its roofing tiles. However, the church has been meticulously restored and maintained over the years, preserving its historical and architectural integrity.

The church is still active today as a subsidiary church of the Parish of Šmartno v Tuhinju, hosting regular masses and serving as a focal point for the local community.

Adjacent to the church is the Mežnarija, a modest caretaker's house that has retained its original architectural and ethnological features. The house, which includes a functioning black kitchen, is a rare example of traditional Slovenian rural architecture. The Mežnarija has been mentioned in historical records as far back as 1723 and has been maintained by the local community throughout the centuries.

St. Nicholas Church, Sv. Miklavž na Gori, is more than just a religious building; it is a symbol of the enduring cultural and historical heritage of the Tuhinjska Valley. Its architectural beauty, rich history, and the dedication of the local community to its preservation make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Slovenia's cultural treasures.

Sources and literature:
Turistično društvo gora (URL: http://www.sv-miklavz.si/zgodovina.html, povzeto, 12.1. 2025),
Info board at the entrance.

Burger Landmarks / MojaSlovenija.si

Digitalizacija dediščine: (c) Boštjan Burger, (1993) 1996-2025