Kostanjevica Monastery | Kostanjevica na Krki

Information

Landmark: Kostanjevica Monastery
City: Kostanjevica na Krki
Country: Slovenia
Continent: Europe

Kostanjevica Monastery, Kostanjevica na Krki, Slovenia, Europe

Kostanjevica Monastery, also known as Fons Beatae Mariae Virginis, is a former Cistercian abbey located on the southern outskirts of Kostanjevica na Krki. Founded in the 13th century, it stands as one of the most significant architectural and cultural monuments in the Lower Sava Valley.

Visual Characteristics

The complex is defined by a massive central courtyard featuring two-tiered Renaissance arcades, among the largest of their kind in Europe. The architecture transitioned from early Gothic to Baroque, evidenced by the church's stone rib-vaulting and later decorative elements. The exterior consists of thick, white-plastered stone walls and red-tiled roofs, while the surrounding 10-hectare park is populated with monumental oak sculptures from the Forma Viva collection.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated at Grajska cesta 45, approximately 1.5km south of the Kostanjevica town center (the island). It is accessible via the regional road from Krško or Novo Mesto. A large, free asphalt parking lot is located at the primary entrance. Public transport is available via bus to the town center, followed by a 15-minute walk south along a paved pedestrian path.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The monastery was established in 1234 by Duke Bernard von Spanheim of Carinthia to serve as a family mausoleum and economic center. It operated for over five centuries until 1786, when it was dissolved by Emperor Joseph II. The structure is built on an alluvial plain near the Krka River, adjacent to the Krakovo Forest, which provides the heavy oak timber used in the surrounding sculpture park.

Key Highlights & Activities

The interior houses the Božidar Jakac Art Gallery, featuring permanent collections of Slovenian expressionist painters. Visitors can walk the outdoor Forma Viva sculpture park, which contains over 100 wood carvings. The former monastic church serves as a venue for temporary art installations and acoustic concerts due to its unique architectural resonance.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a visitor reception desk, public restrooms, and a gallery shop. A café is located within the northern wing of the courtyard. 5G cellular signal is available throughout the site. The ground floor and the outdoor sculpture park are wheelchair accessible; an elevator provides access to the upper gallery levels.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for a visit is between April and October when the gallery has extended opening hours. Mid-afternoon provides optimal sunlight for photographing the shadows within the arcaded courtyard. Autumn is particularly suitable for viewing the wooden sculptures against the changing colors of the nearby Krakovo Forest.

Facts & Legends

The monastery was once so wealthy it was nicknamed the "Ljubljana of the Krka," controlling vast lands and trade rights. A verified historical oddity is the church's conversion into a granary and military warehouse following the monastery's dissolution, which inadvertently helped preserve its structural integrity until it was restored as an art space in the 20th century.