Fourteen chapels line the Šmarska Calvarija. It was built between 1743 and 1753 and follows the route from Šmarje to the Church of St. Roch. Groups of sculptures, painted scenes and stucco backdrops depict the Passion in a dramatic, naturalistic style. The Church of St. Roch also has distinctive features of its own: shell and net motifs, angels’ heads and floral details adorn the interior, while the frescoes in the presbytery are devoted entirely to scenes from the legend of St. Roch. The visit thus leads from the sequence of chapels to the details inside the church.

Churches and architectural history

Jelšingrad tells a different story of change: the manor house evolved from a medieval fortress into a Baroque residence and was later extended with an Oriental-style addition. Since 18 September 2025, it has been open to the public again following the completion of the first restoration phase. The sequence of building phases makes Jelšingrad a counterpart to the Calvary’s unified Baroque visual language.

On Tinsko, two churches stand close together: the Church of St. Anne and the Church of the Mother of God. A lively pilgrimage tradition continues there. On the eve of the Feast of the Assumption, on 14 August, pilgrims gather for a candlelight procession. In Šmarje pri Jelšah, the Church of the Assumption houses a stone statue of St. Michael with the figures of Raphael and Gabriel. These places offer different points of focus: the two churches on Tinsko and the pilgrimage in one place, and a specific group of figures inside a church in the other.

Art, stories and regional perspectives

At the Baroque Museum, you can walk around the original sculptures and view them from every angle. The “Exploring Šmarje pri Jelšah” experience also includes an introduction to the basics of the Šmarje dialect in the museum atrium, as well as a visit to Vizjak Farm. The video projection at the museum also takes you beyond the town itself, introducing five Baroque churches in the Obsotelje and Kozjansko regions.

Lemberg offers another perspective on local history. The Rotovž and the pillory were completely restored there in 2010. The Rotovž houses an exhibition on the history of the market town of Lemberg, including rare original artefacts related to crafts and the administration of justice. While the Calvary and the churches showcase religious imagery, this exhibition draws attention to the history of the market town and its crafts.

Local insights and routes

At the Šmarje market, you can buy locally sourced food at a free-to-access local market. At Vizjak Farm, various chilli varieties are grown and used in products such as wine, chilli sauces and honey. At ČAR VRT, guided walks led by knowledgeable experts among numerous species of ornamental perennials and shrubs are available by prior arrangement. Many of the plants have medicinal or culinary uses.

“Po gričih okrog Šmarja” is suitable for walks by less experienced hikers and families with small children. A different, longer route is Cycling Route 11: this circular route runs from Rogaška Slatina via Rogatec, Sv. Florijan, Cerovec pod Bočem, Kostrivnica, Sladka Gora, Šmarje pri Jelšah, Kristan Vrh and Vonarje, returning to Rogaška Slatina (centre). This offers a choice between a route around Šmarje suited to less experienced hikers and a longer cycling circuit that passes through several named places.

The centre of the Šmarje pri Jelšah destination can be reached by train or bus. The TIC – Šmarje pri Jelšah Tourist Information Centre is located in Skazova hiša at Celjska cesta 6 in Šmarje pri Jelšah.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Rogaška Slatina, Podčetrtek, Šmarje Pri Jelšah, Kozje, Gabrce, Rogatec, Lesično, Roginska Gorca, Bistrica Ob Sotli, Pristava pri Mestinju, Podsreda.

For the overview of the wider region: Slovenia.