Nova Cerkev: Culture, Village History and Events

Nova Cerkev combines traces of ecclesiastical history, rural cultural heritage and lively events. Between chapels, historic farmhouses, a mill and cycle paths, a multifaceted picture of this place emerges, one that is best understood through its specific sites.

Culture

An important historical reference is Blessed Bishop Anton Martin Slomšek: from 1827 to 1829, he was a chaplain in Nova Cerkev. The fully restored parish barn in Nova Cerkev, dating from 2011, houses a memorial room dedicated to Anton Martin Slomšek. St. Michael’s Chapel is also closely associated with him, as he held a Sunday school there for his congregation.

St. Michael’s Chapel in Nova Cerkev is a Gothic chapel with reconstructed Baroque architectural painting from the late 18th century. It also features reconstructed windows in the presbytery and a reconstructed entrance door. St. Leonard’s Church is a former parish church dating from the 13th century. Both buildings, St. Leonard’s Church and St. Michael’s Chapel, stand behind a once-mighty defensive wall.

Rural Character

The cultural landscape also includes the hamlet of Polže near Nova Cerkev. It preserves the appearance of a Slovenian Styrian village from the mid- and late 19th century and comprises five farmsteads. As a cultural hamlet, Polže also preserves rural architecture featuring a mill, a Venetian sawmill, hayracks, a black kitchen and a granary with a cellar.

At Soržev Mill, the interplay between the landscape and traditional technology is particularly vivid. The mill is located on a small island between the Hudinja River and a stream. Its water powers the wheels of the mill and the Venetian sawmill. Visitors to Soržev Mill can see the mill and Venetian sawmill in operation; a range of mill products can also be purchased there.

Events

The annual events calendar includes traditional and cultural dates. On 15 February 2026, Nova Cerkev hosted the 38th traditional carnival. More than 53 groups with 1,300 participants took part in the 2026 carnival parade in Nova Cerkev. Every year, the Slomšek Cultural Days feature a diverse series of events at the parish barn in Nova Cerkev.

Other dates maintain the village festival calendar: a horse blessing is scheduled in Nova Cerkev on St. Stephen’s Day. The event “Folklora na vasi” takes place in the village of Nova Cerkev beneath the linden trees.

Getting Around

The Slomšek Pilgrimage Route leads from Frankolovo down to Nova Cerkev along field and forest paths. There are several differently described cycling options: the Nova Cerkev Sports and Cycling Association organizes a traditional cycling tour with a bicycle blessing and an 11-kilometre route through the surrounding area of the local community. The recreational cycling route in Nova Cerkev is classified as easy and is intended especially for young cyclists.

Other Destinations

Other destinations: Dobrna, Celje, Vojnik, Štore.

Return to the higher-level travel overview: Celje.