Sights and landmarks in Kamnik

Sights and landmarks in Kamnik

1. See

   Cerkev Marijinega brezmadežnega spočetja (church of Mary's immaculate reception)

   This church replaced a church standing at the same place since 1207; after a fire and several earthquakes, this church was built in 1734. Even on the outside, you notice a particularity: five statutes decorating the top of the front wall. It contains paintings by F. Jelovšek and K. von Goldenstein, the oil paintings are created by Valentin Metzinger. During Christmas time, a nativity scene is on display.

2. See

   Cerkev sv. Benedikta

   It has served as a church since the 13th century, and was completely rebuilt in the 19th century. It was used as a fortified seat of the German military during World War II, and then rebuilt as a church by architect Majda Neřima and her teacher, famous architect Jože Plečnik (and is counted among the latter's most important oeuvres made after the war). Especially recognized by public: the sacristy.

3. See

   Cerkev sv. Jakoba in frančiškanski samostan (St. Jacob's church and Franciscan monastery)

   First mentioned in 1423, the original St. Jacob's church has probably been dedicated in the high medieval age; the current buildings date back to the late 17th century when Jakob Schell ordered to build a Franciscan church and monastery. It has been built in the Italian baroque style, the works have finished 1703, although the building has only been santified in 1730.

4. See

   Kamniška Bistrica spring

   A small lake and karst springs of the Kamniška Bistrica river; the lake is artificial, you will find the acutal springs when you look around the lake, the water comes out of the lime at different places.

5. See

   Mali grad

   The "Small Castle" may lie in ruins, but the chapel next to it is still in one piece and, with its shapely curves and hilltop location, has become Kamnik's symbol. Entry into the chapel, featuring some 16th-century frescoes, but views from the hill over the red roofs of the town are free.

6. See

   Mekinje Ursuline monastery

   First mentioned as early as 1143, this former Ursuline monastery has now been transferred to the municipality, the rich cultural heritage staying in place. The exact use of the location is still in discussion. When heading there, you may want to cross via the bridge on Cankarjeva cesta over the Nevljica river - it was built by the notable architect Jože Plečnik in his very distinct style.

7. See

   Predaselj valley

   If you like, when visiting Kamniška Bistrica spring, also take a walk to Predaselj valley, a steep and narrow valley which the river has cut into the rock.

8. See

   Slap orglice (small organ waterfall)

   The hike is about 50 minutes to go up. Besides the waterfall, you may access two commemoration sites with a small detour (10 minutes or so): an American pilot grave and a former partisan hospital (ruins and memorial information)

9. See

   Stari grad

   Literally the "Old Castle", this 13th-century structure now lies in ruins. Half the fun is the hike up the hill, through a forest and a meadow; keep an eye out for miniature cascade of water through pinwheels halfway up. Up top, you'll be rewarded with commanding views over the plains north to the Alps and south all the way to Ljubljana. The newest feature is a sightseeing platform that stands out and allows to reach farther out.

10. See

    Sveti Primož nad Kamnikom

    A historic church with Gothic Revival frescos (the main one dating around 1504), it is on a plain above Črna/Stahovica, which also offers a great view (depending on the weather even towards Ljubljana)

11. See

    Volčji potok arboretum

    Kamnik's best-known sight is this arboretum specializing in flowers from the Kamnik Alps (the mountains between Austria and Slovenia). It also hosts an exhibition of sculptures by Janez Boljka, open when the cafe is open on weekends.

    March: 08:00-18:00, April - August: 08:00-20:00, September: 08:00-19:00, 1 October – 29 October: 08:00-18:00, 30 October – 4 December: 08:00-16:30, 5 December - 24 February: 08:00-16:00

12. See

    Galerija Miha Maleš

    The art branch of Kamnik's museum

13. See

    Medobčinski muzej Kamnik

    Kamnik's museum with permanent and occasional exhibitions.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Kamnik (CC BY-SA 4.0).