THE CHURCH OF ST. PETER, BISTRICA OB SOTLI Location: Bistrica ob Sotli Category: Sacral objects

The church of St. Peter was first mentioned in 1275. Her oldest component is the nave, which is its essence is pre-roman. The initial shape of the chapel was changed in the 14th or the 15th century, when it was heightened and when ribbed vaults were installed. Instead of the rectangular “kor”, a presbytery completed from three-sides was built. Later the church was renovated in baroque fashion and both side chapels were added, dedicated to St. Joseph and Mary. In the time of Turkish raids, the church was surrounded by walls which is partially preserved even today.

The main entrance into the church is surrounded by a semi-circular stone portal with the year 1668 inscribed. The architecturally and artistically most important area of the church is the presbytery, which is covered by a star-shaped, ribbed vault. The major part of the presbytery is covered in frescoes created in 1452. The church is completed by two chapels, dedicated to St. Joseph and Mary. Christ’s suffering is depicted on an incredibly beautiful baroque Way of the Cross, fitted onto the “kor”s railing, the nave and the side chapel. Well preserved is also the memory of the plague with an embossed tombstone of priest Janez Kodrič, who died from it, which is inserted into the northern wall at the site of where the pulpit used to be. The windows are decorated with colourful stained glass, the work of a sculptor named France Kokalj.

 

Coordinates: 46.056274, 15.661199