Kamnik-Savinja Alps

Sveti Primož (826)

virtual excursion

Sv. Primož (St. Primus) nad Kamnikom lies in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps at an altitude of 826 m. The hills and mountains in this region are mainly composed of limestone, which gives the landscape a characteristic rocky appearance. Sv. Primož can be reached from several different directions, but the most popular route leads from the Kamniška Bistrica valley. On the hill above Sv. Primož is the church of St. Peter.

ACCESS: From Kamnik towards Kamniška Bistrica (5 km along the road to Stahovice). From Stahovice to Sv. Primož is a 3 km path and 420 m of ascent. A mountain trail to Velika planina also leads past the church of St. Primož.

Sv. Primož nad Kamnikom and the church of St. Peter have a long tradition as a pilgrimage destination. Pilgrims have visited this place since the Middle Ages to pay homage to Saints Primož and Felician, who were early Christian martyrs. Pilgrims believed that prayers at the Church of St. Primož could bring God's grace and health, which helped to preserve this place as a spiritual center. The Church of St. Peter, located on a hill above Sveti Primož, is an additional pilgrimage stop.

The Church of Sv. Primož above Kamnik has a rich history that dates back to the 15th century. The original church was probably built in the Romanesque style, but it was later renovated and remodeled several times in the Gothic and Baroque styles. One of the most important historical events related to the church was the Battle of Kamnik in 1515, when peasant rebels captured the church and used it as a fortress.

The Church of Sv. Peter (St. Peter), located on a hill above Sv. Primož, was built in the last third of the 15th century. Some experts, such as Emilijan Cevc, believe that the church may still have Romanesque roots. The building has one small bell tower and a three-sided presbytery with a ground wall, which has a ribbed vault with stonemasonry elements from the second half of the 15th century1. The rectangular nave, which has no ground wall, is covered by a flat, wooden, late Gothic painted ceiling from the period 1470–1480, the oldest and most beautiful example of its kind in Slovenia. The church boasts three golden altars from the 17th century1.

The Church of Sv. Primož is a fine example of Slovenian sacral architecture, combining various stylistic elements. The main architectural elements include a Gothic presbytery, a Baroque nave and a Romanesque bell tower. The interior of the church is richly decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the lives of saints and biblical motifs. The church of St. Peter on the hill above St. Primož is smaller, but also architecturally interesting. It has a simple interior, which allows visitors to meditate and reflect.

Frescoes in the Church of St. Primož are one of the most important artistic treasures of the area. The oldest frescoes date back to the 15th century and depict Saints Primož and Felician, as well as other biblical scenes. The frescoes are the work of unknown local artists who followed medieval painting traditions. The color palette and details of the frescoes are well preserved, allowing visitors to gain an insight into the artistic achievements of past eras. The Church of St. Peter does not have as many frescoes, but its simple interior offers peace and quiet for spiritual reflection.

Sources:
Gothic in Slovenia. Ljubljana: National Gallery. 1995.
Zupancic, B. (2010). "Cerkev Sv. Primož in Feliciana nad Kamnikom." Kamniški zbornik, 42, 123-137.
Petrič, F. (2008). Slovenske božje poti. Ljubljana: Družina.
Encyclopedia of Slovenia, vol. 12. Ljubljana: Mladinska knjiga. 1987–2002.