The scenic landscape of Dolenjska inspires one to contemplate life and nature, to look both inward into the soul and outward onto the world, to reflect upon the meaning of life, present, past and future. Nestled in the picturesque hills are communities of monks devoted to a life of collective labor and private contemplation. The monasteries of Dolenjska have been and are today a peaceful sanctuary for the Cistercians in their white talars and black scapulas and the Carthusians in their white hooded habits. You can glimpse life behind the monastery walls on a journey from one Dolenjska site to another, dedicated to a life of contemplation...

Our first destination on a route along Dolenjska monasteries is Stična, where the first Slovenian Cistercian abbey is located. Take the Ivančna Gorica exit from the Ljubljana-Novo mesto highway and follow the signs to Stična. The Stična Monastery (1) was founded in the 12th century, built in a place where, according to oral history, a mysterious bird revealed itself through its singing. This bird is immortalized in the monastery's coat of arms. The oldest Latin manuscripts in Slovenia (the Stična manuscripts) are to be found here, and the first school of music in Carniola operated at this site. Today it houses the Slovenian Museum of Religion. View the triple-naved basilica Church of the Holy Mother of Sorrows, the Gothic cloister, and other architectural features of the monastery. In the gift shop you can buy medicinal herbs prepared according to the recipes of the famed Father Simon Ašič.
After visiting Monastery, return to the Ljubljana-Novo mesto highway and continue on towards Brežice to the turnoff for Kostanjevica na Krki. Kostanjevica has an idyllic location on an island in the midst of the Krka River. The old town center with the 13th century Parish Church of St. Jacob and the Lamut Art Salon in the former rectory are of particular interest. The Cistercians were also active in Kostanjevica. A monastic community was established here by Bernard Spanheim in the 13th century.
Today the monastery, which was abandoned at the end of the 18th century, houses the Božidar Jakac Gallery (2), containing an extensive collection of works by contemporary Slovenian artists as well as works by old masters from the Carthusian monastery at Pleterje. Forma Viva in wood, a permanent outdoor sculpture park, regarded as one of the most beautiful collections of contemporary wood sculptures in southeastern Europe, is located next to the old monastery, which features the largest arcaded courtyard in Europe. After lunch complement the experience of artistic creations with experiences of nature's creations. Visit Kostanjeviška jama (Kostanjevica Cave) (3) with its maginificent Hall of Stalactites or the Krakovo primeval forest. After passing several pleasant hours in Kostanjevica we recommend a visit to the nearby Pleterje Carthusian Monastery (4). In front of the entrance to the closed part of the monastery is the outdoor Museum of Folk Architecture (5). The Carthusian monastery at Pleterje was founded by the Celje count Herman II in the 15th century. The parts of the monastery that are open to the public are the old sacristy, in which you can view a multimedia presentation about the life and work of the monks, and the Gothic Church of the Holy Trinity, which is the oldest preserved part of the monastery and a beautiful example of the Carthusian Gothic in Europe. Various products are available for sale in the gift shop, including the famed Pleterje wine, spirits and cheese. Return home towards Novo mesto, stopping enroute in the vicinity of Šentjernej for a home-style meal.