Church of the Visitation of Mary in Špitalič – Location, History, and Significance

The Church of the Visitation of Mary in Špitalič, whose architectural core dates to the late 12th century, is one of the oldest sacred monuments in the wider area of the Žiče Charterhouse. It stands approximately 1.5 km east of the remains of the former Carthusian monastery, in the quiet and narrow valley of the Žičnica stream, historically also known as the Valley of St. John the Baptist.

Geographical Setting

Špitalič lies in the lower part of the valley, where the Žičnica stream opens into a small plain. In the Middle Ages, this location was strategically chosen to support the activities of the charterhouse, as it offered:

• access to water,

• space for economic and service buildings,

• a connection between the monastery and surrounding routes.

The church stands on a gentle rise above the stream, giving it a prominent position and making it easily visible from the main valley path.

Origin of the Name Špitalič

The name Špitalič derives from the medieval špital – a hospital or hospice that served travellers, the sick, and the poor. Such hospices were often connected with monastic communities, which provided charitable care and shelter.

Špitalič was home to the lower monastery, known as the ecclesia minor, where lay brothers (conversi) lived. They were not part of the strict contemplative core of the Carthusian order but performed manual labour, managed the estates, cultivated the land, and operated the hospice. Meanwhile, the Carthusian monks lived in the upper monastery in the Valley of St. John the Baptist, dedicated to silence, solitude, and contemplation.

History of the Church

The Church of the Visitation of Mary was built in the Romanesque style, evident in:

• its massive walls,

• semicircular window openings,

• simple architectural articulation.

Despite later renovations, the church has preserved its original Romanesque character, making it a valuable example of early sacred architecture in Styria. It was closely connected to the functioning of the lower monastery and served both the lay brothers and the inhabitants of nearby hamlets.

Over the centuries, the church underwent several restorations, yet never to the extent that would erase its medieval identity. Today, it is regarded as:

• an important part of the cultural landscape of the Žiče Charterhouse,

• a testament to early Carthusian influence,

• one of the oldest surviving sacred buildings in the Žičnica valley.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Church of the Visitation of Mary is essential for understanding the entire Carthusian complex. It represents:

• the spiritual centre of the lower monastery,

• an architectural link between the Carthusian monks and the lay brothers,

• a historical document of how life was organized in a medieval charterhouse.

Its location, age, and preservation make it one of the most valuable sacred monuments in the region, complementing the broader narrative of the exceptional importance of the Žiče Charterhouse in the European Middle Ages.