The Monastery in Olimje
The monastery in Olimje stands in the picturesque landscape of the Obsotelje region, at the foot of the vineyard‑covered hills of the Kozjansko area, where the varied natural environment intertwines with a long history of human settlement. The village of Olimje lies near Podčetrtek, in a territory that has been inhabited since the early Middle Ages due to its strategic position along important routes connecting the Pannonian Plain with the Alpine world. This advantageous location contributed to the construction of the original castle, from which the present monastic complex later developed.
Historical Development
The oldest part of the building dates back to the early 11th century, when a Romanesque castle was erected on this site. In written sources from the 13th century, it appears under the name Wlin, confirming its significance within the regional landscape. Over the following centuries, the castle changed owners several times, a common feature of the feudal fragmentation of Styria.
A turning point came in the 17th century, when the estate was taken over by the Pauline Order. In 1663 they founded a monastery and began an extensive transformation of the castle complex. Between 1665 and 1675 they built the magnificent Baroque Church of the Assumption of Mary, which remains the architectural centrepiece of the site. The Paulines were renowned for their knowledge of herbal medicine, pharmacy, and education, which explains why they established a monastic pharmacy in Olimje—today considered one of the three oldest in Europe. Its interior furnishings, paintings, and collection of vessels testify to the high level of Baroque craftsmanship and scientific understanding.
Purpose and Monastic Life
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Pauline monastery served as an important religious, cultural, and economic hub. The monks were engaged in pastoral work, education, healing practices, and the management of extensive estates. After the dissolution of the Pauline Order at the end of the 18th century, the complex passed into secular hands, which gradually altered its function. It served as a manor house, an economic estate, and a residence for various owners.
Modern Era
In 1990, monastic life returned to the complex when it was taken over by the Franciscan Conventuals (Minorites). They undertook a thorough restoration and revitalisation, respecting both the historical structure and the spiritual tradition of the site. Today they care for the monastery as a living cultural monument that unites sacred heritage, historical architecture, and the surrounding natural environment.
A particular pride of the Minorites is the preserved herbal pharmacy, which continues the Pauline tradition of medicinal plant knowledge. Next to it lies a beautifully arranged herb garden, designed as both an educational and contemplative space where visitors can learn about healing plants and their uses. The monastery has also become an important pilgrimage destination and a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from Slovenia and abroad with its serene atmosphere and rich history.
Ownership and Contemporary Significance
The monastery is owned by the Catholic Church and administered by the Minorites, who continue the tradition of spirituality, hospitality, and cultural stewardship. The complex is protected as a cultural monument of national importance, combining exceptional architectural value, a rare preserved Baroque pharmacy, and a remarkable continuity of historical development.
Olimje thus represents one of the finest harmonies of natural landscape, medieval castle foundations, and Baroque monastic splendour—a place where history lives not only in the walls but also in the vibrant spiritual and cultural life carefully nurtured by its present guardians.