Limbarska Gora, rising 773 meters above sea level, has been an important landmark in central Slovenia for centuries. Its name originates from the German Lilienberg (Mountain of Lilies), which over time evolved into Limberg, Limbarska Gora, and other variations. In the Middle Ages, it was the seat of the Lords of Limbarska, ministeriales of the Counts of Andechs, who had a castle on the northern ridge of the mountain.
Today, Limbarska Gora is a popular excursion destination that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreation. At the very summit stands the Church of St. Valentine, one of the most beautiful rural Baroque churches in Slovenia. It is a pilgrimage branch church of the Parish of Moravče, built around 1735, although some sources mention a first church erected as early as 1667.
The church was designed by Gregor Maček Jr., one of the most important Slovenian Baroque architects. Its nave is shaped like an elongated octagon, while the presbytery is nearly square and rounded at the corners with pilasters. The interior is richly articulated with Doric pilasters, triumphal arches, and thoughtfully arranged lighting.
The church features a grand altar and six side altars crafted from black marble between 1736 and 1743. One of them, the altar of St. Giles, contains a painting by Valentin Metzinger, a prominent Baroque painter. In 2014, the church underwent professional restoration, further emphasizing its cultural significance.
St. Valentine was a martyr during the final persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. His feast day, February 14th, is associated with love, spring, and health. In the past, large pilgrimage gatherings took place here, especially during Pentecost, when mothers prayed for the health of their children.
Limbarska Gora is accessible from multiple directions — from Moravče, Blagovica, Trojane, and other towns. Hikers can choose among several marked trails, including the European Long-Distance Path E6. In 1999, Limbarska Gora received its first digital visualization, placing it at the forefront of the MojaSlovenija project, which aims to digitally document Slovenian towns and cultural heritage.