Stari Trg: Discover History and Culture
Accommodation in Stari Trg
The history of Stari Trg spans several historical periods, from Bronze and Iron Age archaeological sites to churches, a Way of the Cross and traditional hayrack architecture. The current name Stari Trg is first documented in 1331 as “Antiquum forum.” Its connection to Slovenj Gradec also offers a practical guide when choosing where to stay: it takes less than ten minutes to walk from there to Stari Trg.
Archaeological Traces and Early Settlements
Grajski hrib was settled as early as the Late Bronze Age and the Iron Age. The Late Bronze Age is dated from the mid-14th to the mid-12th century BC. In the younger Iron Age, a hillfort stood at the Puščava archaeological site.
At the foot of Grajski hrib lay Colatio, an ancient settlement and post station on the Roman road from Celeia to Virunum. Colatio’s development can be traced from the 1st to the 5th century AD. Together, the Grajski hrib and Colatio sites form an archaeological complex of European importance; Colatio is one of the few surviving and excavated Roman post stations in what is now Slovenia. The Roman cemetery of Colatio lies south of Stari Trg, on both banks of the Draga stream.
The Puščava cemetery also offers insight into different periods: 136 Late Antique and early medieval graves were discovered there, with two more found in 1995. The Late Antique graves date from the late 4th to the 5th century. After a two-hundred-year break, part of the cemetery was used again from the early 8th century onward. These timelines add later burial and use phases to the picture of early settlement on Grajski hrib.
Churches, the Way of the Cross and Building History
The Church of St. Pancras brings together several artistic and architectural details. Its western entrance dates to around 1240; the tympanum above the portal features a fresco of Mary and Jesus. The church also has a covered Holy Staircase, whose walls are decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the Passion. Its architectural design includes elements of one of Slovenia’s oldest castles.
The Way of the Cross in Stari Trg leads from the Church of St. Radegunda to the Church of St. Pancras. It comprises thirteen chapels, built around 1790, and ends at the Holy Staircase, the fourteenth station. The reliefs in the chapels were made by J. J. Mersi’s sculptors’ workshop in Slovenj Gradec. As its own interpretation, the Mythical Trail presents the Church of St. Pancras above Stari Trg as part of a ritual triangle in the Mislinja Valley.
The Church of St. Radegunda stands in the town centre on a steep slope below the castle. Beneath its presbytery, it preserves an original Late Gothic crypt. J. J. Mersi created the main altar in 1768. The castle above Stari Trg was first mentioned in 1091 as Grez (“Gradec”).
Hayracks and Highlights for Your Stay
The hayracks of Stari Trg are also part of its historic architectural heritage. The MeĹľnik hayrack has been fully restored; its wooden structure still follows traditional design, and the year 1865 has been preserved. It is one of the oldest hayracks in this area. The Rupert hayrack is a traditional toplar, stands on a hill in Stari Trg and dates to the late 19th century.
The walking time from Slovenj Gradec offers an additional practical point to consider when planning your trip. Then compare the details of each hotel offer with your personal requirements.
Discover more destinations: Sele, Slovenj Gradec, Mislinja
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