The Church of St. Bartholomew in Stara Šiška – Plečnik’s Transformation of Ljubljana’s Oldest Preserved Church

The Church of St. Bartholomew in Stara Šiška is one of those quiet yet remarkably precious monuments of Ljubljana that brings together centuries of history and one of the strongest architectural signatures of the 20th century. First mentioned in written sources in 1370, it is among the oldest preserved churches in the city. Its story gained a new chapter between 1933 and 1936, when architect Jože Plečnik carried out a thorough yet deeply respectful renovation that transformed the church into one of the finest examples of his sacred architectural work.

Revealing History – Removing the Plaster and Emphasizing Stone

When Plečnik undertook the renovation, he did not opt for a conventional restoration but for an architectural interpretation of history. The church’s exterior had been plastered, concealing its medieval core. Plečnik removed the plaster and revealed the stone masonry, which became the building’s central visual and symbolic element. This gave the church a distinctly archaic, almost Romanesque character that immediately connects the visitor with its age and origins.

This decision was not merely aesthetic. Plečnik believed that architecture must speak truthfully about its time and place. The exposed stone became a symbol of material honesty, while also situating the church firmly within Ljubljana’s historical landscape.

The Columned Porch – A Threshold Between the Sacred and the Everyday

Behind the church, Plečnik designed a distinctive columned porch, functioning as an architectural bridge between the church and its surroundings. The porch is not just an annex but a transitional space, where visitors pause before entering the church or gather after the service. The columns, shaped in his recognizable language, are simple yet monumental, rhythmic, and symbolic.

The porch creates the feeling of an open atrium, linking the church with the urban fabric of Stara Šiška. With this, Plečnik demonstrated that sacred space is not isolated but part of the community—part of everyday life.

The Monumental Stairway and Street Lamp – A Dramatic Approach

Next to the church, Plečnik built a monumental stairway leading toward the entrance and forming a ceremonial approach to the building. The steps are not merely functional; they create a rhythm of movement that prepares the visitor for entering the sacred space. Plečnik understood masterfully that architecture is not only form but also the experience of moving through space.

He placed special emphasis on the street lamp, designed according to his own plans. The lamp acts as a vertical accent marking the entrance area and adding symbolic weight to the composition. It is a typical Plečnik element: a simple object elevated into an architectural sign.

Respect for Heritage and a Modern Interpretation

The renovation of St. Bartholomew’s Church is an exceptional example of Plečnik’s relationship with history. He did not seek to reconstruct the past but to preserve it, highlight it, and enrich it. His approach combines:

Plečnik transformed the church into an architectural dialogue between centuries. The old and the new do not compete—they complement each other.

 

The Church of St. Bartholomew in Stara Šiška stands today as one of the finest demonstrations of Plečnik’s understanding of sacred architecture and his approach to cultural heritage. With simple yet thoughtful interventions, he created a space that is at once historical and modern, intimate and urban, modest and monumental.

This is not merely a renovated church—it is an architectural lesson in honoring the past while shaping the future, written in stone, light, and space.

 

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