Ljubljana: The high altar in the Church of St. Joseph (Jože Plečnik)

The High Altar of the Church of St. Joseph – Plečnik’s Mature Sacred Architecture and the Remarkable Post‑War Fate of the Church

The Church of St. Joseph in Poljane is one of the most striking sacred buildings in Ljubljana. Completed in 1914 and consecrated in 1922, it received its most important artistic and liturgical element in 1941, when architect Jože Plečnik designed the high altar. The altar, complemented by a statue of St. Joseph created by sculptor Božidar Pengov, represents a pinnacle of Plečnik’s mature sacred design.

Yet the story of this church is not only architectural. It is also a story of the turbulent 20th century, nationalization, the Slovenian film industry, and the church’s eventual return to its original purpose.

Plečnik’s Altar – Monumentality, Symbolism, and Mastery of Materials

Plečnik’s 1941 altar reflects his deep understanding of sacred space. In it, he combined:

monumentality that guides rather than overwhelms
strict classical composition
refined symbolism
a thoughtful selection of materials—stone, metal, and wood, each with a liturgical role

Pengov’s statue of St. Joseph adds a dignified, calm presence that harmonizes with Plečnik’s architectural rhythm. The result is an altar that is both simple and majestic, serene yet full of spiritual meaning.

The Church After World War II – Nationalization and Quiet Pastoral Life

After 1945, the new Yugoslav authorities nationalized the church and its associated buildings. Although worship was still permitted, religious life was restricted, monitored, and pushed out of the public sphere.

Despite this, the Church of St. Joseph remained:

a pastoral center for the Poljane district
a quiet guardian of identity during political pressure
a refuge for the faithful, offering stability in uncertain times

Plečnik’s altar gained additional symbolic weight during this period, becoming a spiritual anchor for the community.

An Unusual Fate: The Church as a Film Studio

One of the most surprising chapters in the church’s history is its post‑war use as a film studio. Verified historical sources confirm that:

after nationalization, the church was sold for use by the Slovenian film industry,
it first housed Triglav film,
and after its bankruptcy in 1966, it became part of Viba film.

This makes St. Joseph’s the only church in Slovenia ever legally sold for use as a film studio. The sale was reportedly approved by church authorities in exchange for permission to build a new church in Šiška.

During this period:

films were shot inside the church,
production offices operated in the adjacent buildings,
and Plečnik’s altar was walled off, which ironically helped preserve it.

This unusual chapter stands as a vivid example of how sacred architecture can be reshaped by political and cultural forces.

After Independence – Return to the Jesuits and Renewal

In 1996, the church was returned to the Jesuit order. It once again became:

a spiritual center,
a place of pastoral and community life,
and an important cultural and architectural landmark.

Plečnik’s altar was uncovered, restored, and reinstated as the liturgical heart of the church. Today, the Church of St. Joseph is also part of the St. Joseph Spiritual Center, serving both religious and cultural purposes.