Seven Churches in the Valley of Peter Klepec

The parish of Osilnica in the steep and beautiful Kolpa valley, the country of the legendary hero Peter Klepec, has no less than seven churches, the largest of which is the neo-classical Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Osilnica itself, with paintings and altar by Jurij Šubic. Also in the valley are the tiny St. Ann's, on a headland in a loop of the river, and the Baroque St. Vitus in Bosljiva Loka, dating from the early 17th century. The church of St. Gilbert, patron saint of forests and fields, dates from the same period and is in Ribjek. The pretty painting on the exterior is merely a prelude to sample of the colourful painting within, as the church's interior reveals a painted wooden coffered ceiling.

The road to the north of Osilnica leads up through forest and high meadows to the villages of Spodnji Čačič, Žurge and Papeži, each with a tiny church. There are stunning views to the valleys below, and the churches are adorned with frescoes and fine plasterwork. You may see the family name "Klepec" in the churchyards, a reminder of the legendary local hero, Peter Klepec.