The closely clustered settlement centre of Lesično lies at the confluence of the Zagorski potok and the Bistrica. Water is therefore already part of the village’s setting. There are two different ways to discover Lesično: the water trail and the evidence of local architectural and craft history.

Water Trail and the Bistrica

The Lesično Water Trail connects wells and water springs and introduces visitors to the natural and cultural heritage of the area. The Lesično–Pilštanj Water Trail runs from the Church of Sv. Urha along the Bistrica to Pilštanj and returns to the primary school in Lesično via the ruins of Drenski grad. The route is 1,800 m long and is suitable for a leisurely walk for all generations. Check the trail conditions locally before setting out.

The Bistrica and its tributaries are a hydrological and ecosystem natural asset of national importance.

Church, Art and Village History

The Church of Sv. Urha is a Gothic church dating from 1394. It was remodelled in the 18th century; its interior was vaulted and furnished in 1750. The church also houses a statue of Sv. Urha from the 15th century (1430–1440), which experts consider one of the finest Gothic sculptures in Kozjansko.

The dates refer to different historical aspects: 1394 marks the construction of the Gothic church, 1430–1440 the statue, and 1750 the work on the interior. This distinguishes the dates of the construction, later remodelling and furnishings.

On a village green in the centre of Lesično, near the church, stands the monument of the “Premišljujoči Kristus”. The seated figure of Christ is set on a Tuscan column with a base into which the year 1713 is carved. The monument adds another distinctive work in the village centre to the area’s religious art.

The blacksmithing tradition is also part of the village’s history. During the 1573 Peasant Revolt, Lesično was home to a well-known forge (Kovačija) belonging to Pavla Šterc, a castle armourer. The blacksmithing tradition continued in the village into the present day.

The village well in Lesično is also an architectural landmark. It has a masonry base and a wooden structure with a four-sided hipped roof. This type of hipped roof is typical of village wells in the area.

A Cultural Detour to Pilštanj

Nearby Pilštanj’s old school houses a museum classroom and a gallery space with an art exhibition. During a visit to the sights of the medieval market town of Pilštanj, drnulovec can also be sampled by prior arrangement. The tasting is therefore subject to a visit and advance arrangements; do not plan it as a spontaneous activity.

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

For the main travel overview: Šmarje Pri Jelšah.