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Sveta Gora

Basilica

The impressive basilica of the large pilgrim centre in Sveta Gora near Nova Gorica is a valuable monument of cultural history. It stands on a 682-metre-high hill called Skalnica. The local shepherdess Urška Ferligoj supposedly witnessed a Marian apparition in 1539 in an earlier 14th century church that preceded the present one which was built soon thereafter. From this period, the Late Gothic statue of Mother of God with Jesus Christ, and the famous image of the Queen of the Holy Mountain, made by the Venetian painter Palma Vecchio, survive. The basilica was completely destroyed in the First World War. The present structure was built from 1924 to 1928 in the Neo-Baroque style. In addition to the remarkable Marian images, visitors can admire the intricately carved ceiling, Stations of the Cross, stained glass windows and the distinct bell tower with a set of magnificent bells.

Franciscan Monastery

The famous pilgrimage centre of Sveta Gora is closely linked with Franciscan monks. Exiled several times, they were always able to return. The pilgrimage church was put into the care of the Franciscans in 1565. In 1786, in the aftermath of the reforms instituted by Emperor Joseph II., the pilgrimage route was abolished, and the monks forced to leave. It was soon restored, but the Franciscans returned to Sveta Gora only in 1901. They helped the pilgrimage route reclaim its former reputation, but it was cut short by the First World War that turned the pilgrimage site into a ruin and forced the Franciscans to flee again. Ever since its post-war restoration, when it was first repopulated with Italian Franciscans, the Franciscan monastery on Sveta Gora is the heart of this popular pilgrimage site. The monastery operates the Marian Museum which is a fascinating collection of religious artefacts, outlining the tumultuous history of the pilgrimage route.

Information: TIC Nova Gorica and www.svetagora.si

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