Discover Lesično: Waterways and Cultural Heritage

Lesično’s densely clustered settlement centre lies at the confluence of Zagorski potok and the Bistrica River. Local points of interest include the water trail and evidence of the area’s architectural and local history. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Lesično, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Water Trail and Route

The Lesično Water Trail links wells and water springs and offers insights into the natural and cultural heritage of the area. The Lesično–Pilštanj Water Trail is 1,800 m long and is suitable for a leisurely walk for all generations.

The route starts at the Church of Sv. Urha in Lesično, follows the Bistrica to Pilštanj, then returns to the primary school in Lesično via the ruins of Drenski grad. The river section and the ruins are therefore on different parts of the route: the Bistrica accompanies the outward journey, while the ruins are on the return. Before setting out, check the trail conditions locally again.

Church and Village Character

The Church of Sv. Urha in Lesično is a Gothic church dating from 1394. It was remodelled in the 18th century; its interior was vaulted and furnished in 1750. The church contains a statue of Sv. Urha dating from 1430–1440. Experts consider it one of the finest Gothic sculptures in the Kozjansko region. The church thus brings together architectural history from the late 14th century, a Gothic sculpture from the 15th century and later changes made in the 18th century.

The monument to the “Premišljujoči Kristus” stands on a village green in the centre of Lesično, near the church. The seated figure of Christ stands on a Tuscan column with a base; the year 1713 is carved into the base. Its proximity to the church places the monument alongside a much older cultural landmark.

The village well in Lesično has a masonry base and a wooden structure topped with a four-sided hipped roof, typical of village wells in this area. A hipped roof slopes down on all four sides.

History and Surroundings

During the 1573 Peasant Revolt, Lesično was home to a well-known forge (Kovačija) belonging to Pavla Šterc, the castle’s blacksmith. The blacksmithing tradition continued in Lesično into the present day. A monument to the National Liberation Struggle (NOB) at a road junction commemorates the victims of the occupation.

The Bistrica and its tributaries are a hydrological and ecosystem asset of national importance.

Nearby Pilštanj has a museum classroom and a gallery space with an art exhibition in the old school. When visiting the sights of the medieval market town of Pilštanj, you can sample drnulovec by prior arrangement. For planning purposes, note the difference: check the water trail conditions locally again, while the tasting requires a prior arrangement.

Discover more destinations: Podsreda, Gabrce, Rogatec, Podčetrtek, Pristava pri Mestinju, Rogaška Slatina, Roginska Gorca, Šmarje Pri Jelšah.

Back to the main travel overview: Šmarje Pri Jelšah.