In Šentjur, stories of a musical family and the Southern Railway meet art, wine and cycling routes. Zgornji trg, the old market square, gives the town’s cultural history a tangible setting: the Ipavec House has stood there since 1760 and is the birthplace of the Ipavec dynasty. The house contains a permanent exhibition about the family.
Market Square, Church and Art
Šentjur was first mentioned in a document from 1340 in connection with the Church of St George. The present-day Church of St George was built between 1708 and 1721 on the site of an early Gothic church. Its Baroque design comprises a nave and side chapels, with an attached bell tower. The church’s history and architecture are therefore integral to finding your way around the old market square.
Galerija Zgornji trg Šentjur is also located in Zgornji trg, in the former cellar rooms at Ipavčeva 17. Five to six exhibitions by local and visiting artists are held there each year. Among the objects on display is a plague monument from Marija Dobje, dated 1641. TIC Šentjur is located together with the Zakladi Rifnika museum collection in Zgornji trg, opposite the Church of St George. Confirm the visitor service’s location before you arrive.
Zgornji trg also includes a chestnut park with a playground featuring sensory play equipment. Whether your focus is architecture, exhibitions or spending time outdoors, these places offer different experiences without requiring you to choose just one theme.
The Southern Railway and Wine
The Museum of the Southern Railway Šentjur is located at the railway station. It features a reconstruction of the historic station from the period when the Graz–Celje railway line was built. Below the museum is the “Winegrowers Learning Basement”, where you can taste wines from local winemakers. Check before your visit whether a tasting is available. Railway services in Šentjur are operated by Slovenske železnice, the Slovenian Railways. If you plan to arrive by train, check the timetable and ticket information in advance.
Cycling Routes and Nature Attractions
Two circular cycling routes are each 34 kilometres long, but differ in the planning details provided. “The Song of the Southern Railway” starts in Šentjur and passes the Blagovna ponds, then crosses the hill of Sveta Uršula above Dramlje before continuing to Hotunje and Ponikva. Several starting points are listed for “The Path of Good Energy”: Zgornji trg, Šentjur railway station, Ponikva and the car park by the bus stop in Dramlje. When choosing a route, you can therefore focus either on the places it passes or on the most convenient starting point. Check conditions and access before setting off by bike.
The Rifnik Archaeological Park, near Šentjur, is open year-round. It preserves the foundations of two early Christian churches and seven houses, as well as defensive walls with guard towers and a well. The site offers a different way to explore the past from the exhibitions in town. As access conditions can change, it is advisable to check before visiting.
Lake Slivnica is also near Šentjur. The lake is suitable for water sports, while the surrounding area offers opportunities for walking and cycling, as well as for observing rare animals and plants. Conditions and access may vary seasonally, so plan your visit with the time of year in mind.
Crafts and Events
In Osredek, near Šentjur, Mlin Umetnin’s pottery workshop takes place in a mill that is more than 200 years old. Its waterwheel is still powered by water. The experience includes a guided tour of the farmstead and pottery workshop, as well as materials to make an item and take it home. Families can also enjoy a free treasure hunt in Šentjur, which takes about 25 minutes; check the activity and app in advance.
If you are considering a stay at the end of April, Šentjurjevo may be important when planning your dates: the municipality’s largest tourist event is held in Šentjur each year around this time. Exact dates and the programme vary from year to year. When looking for a hotel in Šentjur, it helps to first decide what you are most interested in: the market square and art, railway and wine history, or cycling and nature attractions.
Discover more destinations: Razbor.
Go to the main travel overview: Šentjur Pri Celju.
