Šentjakobska pot – the trunk of St. James’s Way
Inaugurated on 25th July 2010
It starts at the border crossing with Croatia in Slovenska vas (Slovenian Village) near Obrežje. Along this pathway there are twelve churches of St. James Sr. and many points of interest which establish the right direction of the pilgrimage pathway. After less than an hour’s walk, this is what pilgrims encounter: first is the church of St. James in Slovenska vas, the Kostanjevica Monastery, St. James’s Scallop Shell is engraved in the stairs of the main entrance to the pilgrimage church of Marija Tolažnica (Mary of Consolation) in Male Vodenice, the Pleterje Charterhouse (Domus sanctissime Trinitatis) which was founded by Hermann II, a Count of Celje. His grandson Ulrich II, another Count of Cilli or Celje, is thought to have been the most famous pilgrim to Compostela from our corner of the world. His pilgrimage of 1432 is described in the Chronicle of the Kings of Castille. The Cistercian monastery Stična offered a sanctuary to weary pilgrims. Stična was the home of Pankracij Koret who in 1602 was issued a recommendatory letter by the bishop of Ljubljana, Tomaž Hren, for his pilgrimage to Compostela. The way of St. James traverses Ljubljana and leads to St. James in Blatna Brezovica near Vrhnika, passes by the pilgrimage church at Planinska gora, Studeno with the church of St. James, taking the pilgrim on by the foothills of Nanos and through Vipavska dolina to Štjak. Štjak offers a view over the pilgrimage church at Repentabor. The way of St. James leads on to the Slovenian ethnic territory all the way to St. James in Trieste and Štivan at Devin and on past Aquileia to Compostela.
The way was inaugurated and blessed in 2010 which is the holy James’s year. Two guides dealing with the way of St. James in Slovenia were published: a pathway guide by the Rigler spouses entitled “Where are the footpaths that used to be” and a bicycle guide by the Štefanič spouses. The first pilgrims set off and the locals say: “People keep coming, St. James’s way lives.”
Like in the old days, it is recommended to receive a pilgrim’s blessing from the local parish priest; a pilgrim’s blessing for groups may be arranged with the parish priest where the pilgrimage begins.
- THE CENTRAL WAY OF ST JAMES THROUGH THE LOWER CARNIOLA (DOLENJSKA) REGION AND THE LITTORAL (PRIMORSKA) REGION
- Slovenska Vas – Kostanjevica
The Way of St James starts at the Slovenska Vas state border crossing. The first stamp may be obtained at the border crossing.
Subsidiary Church of St James in Ponikva, parish of Velika Dolina, parish priest Fr Janez Zdešar, Jr., email: janez.zdesar@rkc.si; a pilgrim’s blessing may be arranged for pilgrim groups starting the pilgrimage here. Mr Miha Berce, 32 Brezje, Tel.: +386 (0)7 495 70 82, is the caretaker of the Church of St James. A stamp of the Way of St James may be obtained here.
Tourist farm Pri Martinovih, 8 Globočice, Tel.: +386 (0)7 496 10 57, Mobile +386 (0)31 559 782. To follow one version of the Way of St James, at the border with Croatia turn right onto the macadam route instead of going up the hill.
Bušeča Vas – Klun’s Spa – the rest area and bar named Pod kozolcem, with a small campsite nearby (price: €5), Sport and Recreation Association Klun’s Spa, Mobile: +386 (0)41 417 288.
Parish office Sveti Križ – Podbočje, 69 Podbočje, 8312 Podbočje, parish priest Fr France Novak, Tel.: +386 (0)7 497 82 27, email: sv.kriz@siol.net, accommodation in the Poljane Spiritual Centre, belonging to the Novo Mesto diocese; accommodation and food for groups may be arranged in advance, run by priest Fr France Novak.
Inn Gadova Peč, Kerin Jože, s.p., 11 Podbočje, Tel.: +386 (0)7 497 73 73, closed on Mondays.
Grocery Market, Klepac Jože s.p., 70 Podbočje, Tel.: +386 (0)7 497 85 30, open Mon. to Fri. from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sat. from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Sun. from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Inn Žolnir-Sevšek, 4 Krška Cesta, 8311 Kostanjevica, accommodation and food, Tel.: +386 (0)7 498 71 33, Mobile: +386 (0)41 626 711 and +386 (0)41 614 535.
Supermarket Mercator at the petrol station, open from Mon. to Fri. from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat. from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., closed on Sun. and public holidays, Tel.: +386 (0)7 498 61 90.
Inn Kmečki Hram, 11 Oražnova, Tel.: +386 (0)7 49 87 078, food.
Coffee shop Štrovs, near the Krka River, Sonja Stanič, 31 Ulica Talcev, Kostanjevica, Tel.: +386 (0)7 49 730, open from 5:15 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Pharmacy Kostanjevica, 16 Ljubljanska Cesta, Tel.: +386 (0)7 498 72 55.
- Kostanjevica – Hrušica – Novo Mesto
B&B Vila Castanea*** Ulica talcev 9, 8311 Kostanjevica na Krki, Slovenia Phone: +386 69 927 593, www.vilacastanea.com E-mail: info@vilacastanea.si
Tourist farm NOVI LURD, 3 Rakovnik, 8310 Šentjernej, accommodation and food, Mr Albin Golob, Mobile: +386 (0)41 851 389, and Mrs Cvetka Golob, Mobile: +386 (0)31 493 92, a stamp with the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes is available at the tourist farm.
Hrušica – Subsidiary Church of St James, Stopiče parish, the stamp of the Way of St James is in the box at the entrance to the church.
Vovko Anton s.p.: Inn – Accommodation Vovko, 48 Ratež, Tel.: +386 (0)7 308 56 03 or +386 (0)5 994 28 56.
Accommodation Cikava, apartments, rooms, 2 Podbevškova, Novo Mesto, Tel.: +386 (0)7 337 53 20, Mobile +386 (0)31 620 079, email: slavko.kos@siol.net
Hostel Situla, 1 Dilančeva, 8000 Novo Mesto, accommodation and food, Tel.: +386 (0)7 394 20 00, Mobile: +386 (0)51 642 644, email: situla@situla.si
Snack bar Potočar, 40 Češča Vas, Tel.: +386 (0)7 332 36 30, Mobile: +386 (0)31 328 637.
- Novo Mesto – Vavta Vas – Vrhtrebnje
Parish office Vavta Vas, 8351 Straža pri Novem Mestu, 48 Vavta Vas, parish priest Fr Tomaž Maras, Tel.: +386 (0)7 308 31 74, email: zupnija.vavta vas@rkc.si; the stamp of the way of St James is in the box on the left at the entrance to the church.
Ravbar Marjan, rooms and apartments, 17 Vavta Vas, Tel.: +386 (0)7 308 43 70, email: rm@siol.net, website: www.apartmaji-ramar.com.
House Frata, Karmen Rozman, Tel.: +386 (0)51 608 200, email: karmen.kamm@siol.net, https://domfrata.si/ open wednesday, thursday, friday from 12.00 to 21.00, saturday and sunday from 10.00 to 21.00, accommodation from wednesday to saturday.
- Vrhtrebnje – Selo pri Šumberku – Stična
Vrhtrebnje, Church of St James, to enter the church call the church caretaker, Mr Janez Smolič, 15 a Vrhtrebnje, Tel.: +386 (0)7 346 64 40, Mobile: +386 (0)31 664 788, a stamp of the Way of St James can be obtained at the church.
Vidmar Farm, 9 Gombišče, accommodation available for four persons, food available upon previous agreement, Mr Jože Vidmar, Tel.: +386 (0)40 417 587, email: kmetijavidmar@gmail.com.
Snack bar “Brigita”, Selo pri Šumberku, Mrs Brigita Vidmar, Tel.: +386 (0)41 751 469 or Mrs Angelca Ozimek, Tel.: +386 (0)7 308 70 48.
Grocery store Bioraj, 6 Sokolska, Ivančna Gorica, Mr Tone Kozelj, Tel.: +386 (0)41 641 240, open Mon. to Fri. from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat. until 1 p.m.
Cistercian Abbey Stična, 17 Stična, 1295 Ivančna Gorica, Tel.: +386 (0)1 787 71 00 or +386 (0)1 787 72 95, email: ocist.sticna@rkc.si; accommodation and food for groups available upon prior agreement, entry until 5:30 p.m.; the stamp is in the box on the right side of the entrance to the monastery.
Domačija (Holiday farm) Grofija, Marija Majda Vrhovec , Vir pri Stični 30, 1295 Ivančna Gorica, T: +386 (0)41 777 944; accommodation and food available upon prior agreement. More on: www.grofija.com
5.Stična – Velika Dobrava – Polica pri Grosuplju – Ljubljana
Velika Dobrava, Subsidiary Church of St James; church caretaker Mr Anton Omahen, 11 Velika Dobrava; the stamp is available at the church caretaker’s address.
Grocery shop Vrhovc, Mrs Štefka Vrhovc, 23 Polica, Tel.: +386 (0)31 352 031, open Mon. to Fri. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Sun. from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Inn Kramar, 7 Perovo near Grosuplje, food, Tel.: +386 (0)1 787 29 66, closed Mon.
St Ignatius of Lojola Retreat Centre at St Joseph Church in Ljubljana, 11 Ulica Stare Pravde, Tel.: +386 (0)1 232 20 77, Mobile: +386 (0)51 613 274, email: zsi@rkc.si.
Ljubljana, Stična Tea House, 6 Poljanska Cesta, Ljubljana, ATTICUS B&B, Tel.: +386 (0)1 320 77 68, email: info@atticus.si, www.atticus.si. Single, double or triple rooms with breakfast are available. Booking required. Discount for pilgrims with credencials.
- Ljubljana – Blatna Brezovica – Vrhnika – Logatec
Pr’ Pavlet, Notranje Gorice, eatery – pizzeria, 393 Podpeška C., Tel.: +386 (0)1 365 10 02, Mobile: +386 (0)41 233 766, Mr Drago Selan; snacks, closed Mon.
Vrhnika – pilgrim hostel, Mr Bojan Jesenovec, 49 Dobovičnikova (Tičnica), Mobile: +386 40 267 368, bojan.jesenovec@gmail.com
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Mountain Hut Star Maln, 80 Betajnova, 1360 Vrhnika, run by the Blagajana Association, Tel.: +386 (0)5 904 35 00, open Fri., Sat., and Sun., beverages, cooked sausages, and sandwiches served; grilled food and stew served on Sat. and Sun. Accommodation and food by agreement. The stamp is in the box in the hut.
Tourist Accommodation and Recreation Centre GRC Logatec – Zapolje, accommodation and food available upon prior agreement, Mrs Damjana Žakelj, Mobile: +386 (0)31 688 211, email: damjana.zakelj@grc-zapolje.si
Parish Office Dolenji Logatec, 6 Notranjska, 1370 Logatec, parish priest Fr Janez Kompare, Tel.: +386 (0)1 754 17 57, Mobile: +386 (0)51 376 694, accommodation in the parish facilities near the parish house, additional information is available from Mrs Rozi Knaus, Tel.: +386 (0)31 524 538; the box with the stamp is at the entrance to the parish accommodation facilities.
Pizzeria Krištof, 30 Tovarniška, Logatec, open during the week from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; for more information and advance orders, call (Mobile) +386 (0)41 442 426.
Mercator Centre Logatec, 3 Tržaška – supermarket.
Ergotuš, Logatec, 1Tovarniška – supermarket.
- Logatec – Planina pri Rakeku – Studeno
Information on the water level at Planinsko Polje is available from the caretaker of the Church of St Michael, Mrs Frida Tegelj, 14 Jakovica, Tel.: +386 (0)1 754 48 14.
Mariapoli Centre, 3 Planina pri Rakeku, opposite the parish church; accommodation and food are available upon prior agreement with Mrs Marjana Snoj, Mobile +386 (0)41 385 648 or email pm.snoj@siol.net; in the event of any changes before beginning the pilgrimage (e.g. regarding the number of pilgrims), call Mrs Joža Leskovec, Tel.: +386 (0)41 505 431.
Inn Demšar, in the centre of the locality of Planina, on the right, closed on Mon. open on Tues., Wed., and Thur. from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sat. from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m., Sun. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., food available.
Grocery market (next to the inn), open Mon. to Fri. from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sun. and holidays closed. Since there is no grocery store in Studeno, you are advised to buy some food in Logatec or Planina. The closest grocery market is in Bukovje.
- Studeno – Predjama – Strane – Podraga
Studeno – the Church of St James in Studeno; church caretaker Mr Valter Debevec, Tel.: +386 (0)41 345 147; possible accommodation upon prior agreement, additional information is available from Mrs Sanja Pečar, Tel.: +386 (0)31 77 32 26; the stamp is in the box on the wall on the left at the entrance to the church.
Bukovje – Feliče Fama grocery store, 22 Bukovje, open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sun. from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Predjama – Inn Požar, 2 Predjama, 6230 Postojna, open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed on Wed., accommodation and food, Tel.: +386 (0)5 751 52 52, Mobile: +386 (0)41 323 727. The stamp is at the entrance to the Subsidiary Church of Our Lady of Sorrows opposite the protected lime tree in front of the castle.
Šmihel pod Nanosom – Tatanka land, a place to take a rest, toilet, drinks, accommodation in Yurt or a tiny house depending on availability, you can use outdoor kitchen and showers and you can also get something to eat. Contact: +386 69773490 ninavanita@protonmail.com
Podnanos – grocery store, Mon. to Fri. from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun. from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sun. and holidays closed.
Buffet open Mon. to Sat. from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sun. from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; sandwiches available.
Podraga – it is possible to stay overnight on the Podraga parish premises, 78 Podraga, 5272 Podnanos, run by the Podnanos parish priest Fr Tomaž Kodrič, tomaz.kodric@rkc.si, Tel.: +386 (0)5 366 90 15, Mobile: 041 415 995, upon prior agreement; the key to the refuge is at Mrs Lilijana Lavrenčič’s address, 70 Podraga, Mobile: +386 (0)31 642 724; the stamp of the Way of St James is in the box near the Chapel of St James in Podraga.
- Podraga – Štjak – Repentabor – Trieste
Avber – the Church of St Nicolas, church caretaker Mr Ljubo Fabjan, 12-14 Avber, Sežana, Tel.: +386 (0)5 768 50 02, Mobile: Mrs Anita Fabjan +386 (0)41 329 064, Mobile: Mr Ljubo Fabjan 031 684 115; snacks available upon prior agreement.
The Ukmar Family – Francinovi tourist farm, 21 Avber, Tel.: +386 (0)5 768 51 20, Mobile: +386 (0)41 472 713; accommodation and food available upon prior reservation.
Tomaj – Inn Andreja Pavlovič s.p. Tomaj, 6221 Dutovlje, Tel.: +386 (0)5 764 18 58
Tourist farm Škerlj, 53 Tomaj, accommodation and food, Tel.: +386 (0)41 684 988,
open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed on Wed.
B&B accommodation, Tomaj, for information contact Mrs Anja, Tel.: +386 (0)31 800 649.
Trieste, Church of St James – San Giacomo, parish vicar at St James: Fr Klemen Zalar, 10 Campo San Giacomo, Trieste, Mobile: +39 373 802 73 14; Mass in the Slovenian language is celebrated every day at 5 p.m., but on Sundays and holidays at 9.15 a.m.
More useful information:
A ticket for Bus No. 1, which goes to the train and bus stations, can be bought at the kiosk close to the church of St James. An international bus ticket to Koper can be bought at the ticket office of the bus station. Beside the bus station, there is a train station with trains running to Ljubljana.
We would appreciate it if you could send any additional useful information and possible changes to:
Miro Veldin: Mobile: +386 (0)40 933 563
Dear pilgrims, we hope we have stirred up a tinge of interest in where our predecessors used to tread so that you may come to a decision to embark on the same journey. Today, people are always in a hurry, unable to stop and find the way to their inner selves and those around them. Now that so many times money is scarce for special “destinations”, as people can often be heard saying, our inner peace of mind and tranquillity are within our reach: making a pilgrimage along the way of St. James in Slovenia.
Thank you!
The friends of the Way of Saint James in Slovenia wish you a pleasant pilgrimage.
Let St James, the patron saint of pilgrims and travellers, guide and protect you!