Petrovče reveals itself through specific stories about art and place: the Marian shrine was elevated to the status of a basilica, three life-size stone figures stand beside the church, and a monument and a bust next to the school commemorate local history. The area also offers details of the castle, seasonal exhibitions, events, and activities on foot and by bike. This gives you a range of options for planning your trip, from religious art to outdoor activities.
Church, Altar and Sculpture
In 1984, Pope John Paul II elevated the Marian shrine in Petrovče to the status of a basilica. The so-called Plainer altar, dating from 1605, is the oldest altar in the church. The Petrovški križi are also among the town’s notable works of art: the group consists of three life-size stone figures beside the church. They were created in the mid-18th century by the late Baroque sculptor Vid Königer of Graz. After the Second World War, the figures were moved to the church to make way for the widening of the Celje–Ljubljana road.
The Teržan Chapel was built in the first half of the 18th century. After its restoration, it received a statue of Mary, Queen of Peace. The statue comes from a demolished memorial chapel in Arja vas. The chapel’s construction, restoration, and the statue’s origins represent different stages in its history.
Memorial Sites and Local Traditions
Next to the school in Petrovče are a central monument to the victims of the Second World War and a bust of Miroslav Širca. Memorial services are held there every year on All Souls’ Day. Another local landmark is the linden tree next to the village church: according to local tradition, it is about a hundred years old and is under the professional supervision of the Celje Regional Unit of the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation. In this way, commemorative traditions and local stories about nature complement the history of art with local connections.
Novo Celje Castle: Interiors and Summer Exhibitions
Statues of Samson and Hercules, the work of sculptor Vid Königer, adorn the entrance to Novo Celje Castle. Preserved parts of the original interior can be seen in the hall, the reconstructed chapel, and the staircase. Contemporary art exhibitions are held at the castle during the summer months. If you are planning a castle visit or an exhibition, check the specific visiting and exhibition dates in advance.
Events, Hiking and Cycling
Local events include corn husking and a chestnut picnic in Mala Pirešica. Košnja po starem is a recurring traditional mowing event at the Obrezov kozolec in Zaloška Gorica. For specific travel plans, it is advisable to check the event dates in advance.
The Petrovče Tourist Association takes part in the Hmeljska pot program. The Hmeljska pot hike starts and ends in Novo Celje. A tourist cycling offer covers Žalec, Petrovče, and Šempeter, inviting visitors to cross the Savinja and explore the hills above the river. If you are planning this bike ride, check the route details before setting off. The hike has a named starting and finishing point, while the cycling offer focuses on several places and the riverside landscape.
The activities also differ in when they take place: the exhibitions are held during the summer months, while the memorial services take place on All Souls’ Day. Events have their own dates, so check that they align with your travel dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Prebold, Braslovče, Vransko, Prekopa, Žalec, Polzela, Tabor.
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