THE HOLY MOUNTAINS- THE CHAPEL OF ST. GEORGE Location: Bistrica ob Sotli Category: Sacral objects

George’s chapel was built on top of bedrock only metres away from Mary’s Church. It was constructed in the pre-roman era, probably in the 9th or the 10th century. A narrow, high and semi-circularly concluded portal leads to the chapel. On the right side of the entrance portal, imbedded into the wall, is a trapezoid-shaped rock with a carved embossment, named Orans.*

On its arched lintel is an engraving of writing in unusual letters. When prof. Emil Rojs from Celje turned it upside-down, he read the old Slavic saying: “VERUJONŠT V BOG.” If this explanation is true, then this lintel was probably used as a rim of an old baptismal basin.

In the first half of the 16th century, a late-gothic presbytery completed from three sides was added to the original chapel. The nave of the chapel has open roofing and isn’t painted, but only decorated with a geometrical paintjob, painted rectangles and dedicatory crosses. In the past, the chapel had 3 altars, dedicated to St. George, St. Lucy and one more altar in from of the chapel’s entrance. Today, there’s only one altar remaining- the golden altar of St. George from 1667.

*More info under “Orans”

 

Coordinates: 46.044998, 15.661100