The Cistercian monastery (the only monastery in Slovenia still in operation), built in 1132, is located in the village of Stična. It is one of the most important sacral, cultural and historical monuments in Slovenia. Famous series of valuable illuminated medieval manuscripts called Stična Manuscripts (Stiški rokopisi), considered to be one of the first written texts in the Slovenian language, were written by Cistercian monks at Sticna abbey.

What is more, the oldest part of the monastery, which consists of a cloister, the central area of the Stična Abbey consisting of four passages forming a square around the garden in the middle, and a monastic church, has survived until today. The walled monastery which reflects architecture styles from early Romanesque and Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque, currently has 10 white monks and 3 abbots continuing centuries-old tradition in the Cistercian spirit of Ora et Labora.

Slovene Museum of Christianity

The Cistercian monastery hosts Slovene Museum of Christianity with two permanent exhibitions “Life behind Monastery Walls” that presents rich 900-year old history of Sticna abbey, life and work of the monks (they were beekeepers and cheese makers as well!) where you can admire numerous sacred objects with great importance, and “History of Christianity in Slovenia” acquainting visitors with 1700-old journey on Christianity in Slovenia.

Opening hours:

Slovene Museum of Christianity guided tours by prior arrangements for individuals:

1^st June to 30^th September:

Tuesdays to Saturdays: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm.

Sundays: 2pm, 3pm, 4pm.  

1^st October to 31^st May:

Tuesdays to Saturdays: 10am, 12am, 2pm, 4pm.

Sundays: 2pm, 4pm. 

Closed: Mondays, Easter, 1^st November, 25^th December.

Admission fee:

Permanent exhibitions: 7 EUR (adults), 5 EUR (seniors), 2 EUR (students), 9 EUR (families). Free of charge: 1^st Sunday of the month, persons with special needs, museum donors, holders of ICOM, SMD, SUZD, DRS cards.

Herbal Pharmacy and Tea shop

Pay a visit to a nicely decorated tea shop and herbal pharmacy which is still preserving the recipes of the vicar Simon Ašič, a healer, expert on medicinal plants and one of the most well-known Slovenian herbalists. In 1992, Sticna Cistercian abbey established a company called SITIK d.o.o. in order to enable more people an access to the rich heritage of Simon Ašič. Here you can sip a glass of herbal tea and buy already prepared herbal infusions, tea mixtures, apple vinegar, clay and many other products from local providers (from the Cistercians you can buy tasty honey, wine, liqueurs).

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday: 8am to 4pm.

Saturdays: 8am to 1pm.

Sundays and holidays: closed.

Are you searching for accommodation in Stična and its surroundings? Check Apartma Tina, Holiday Home Virida, Hiša Ida.

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If you crave some more local experiences, join my local experiences! What is more, if you need help with your travel planning to Soca valley and/or Slovenia beyond the usual tourist menu , do not hesitate to contact me. Welcome/Dobrodošli!