Šmarje Pri Jelšah: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Culture

The Šmarska Kalvarija was created between 1743 and 1753. On the route from Šmarje to the Church of St. Roch, it consists of a sequence of fourteen chapels. These feature groups of sculptures, painted scenes and stucco backgrounds that depict the Passion in a dramatic and naturalistic manner. The Church of St. Roch is richly decorated with shell and net forms, angel heads and floral details; its frescoes in the presbytery are devoted entirely to scenes from the legend of Saint Roch.

A lively pilgrimage tradition continues in Tinsko. On the eve of the Feast of the Assumption, 14 August, pilgrims gather for a candlelit procession. Tinsko consists of two churches standing close together: the Church of St. Anne and the Church of the Mother of God. The Church of the Assumption of Mary in Šmarje pri Jelšah also houses a stone statue of Saint Michael with the figures of Raphael and Gabriel.

Jelšingrad Manor developed from a medieval fortress into a Baroque residence and was later expanded with an Oriental-style extension. Since 18 September 2025, Jelšingrad has been open to the public again following completion of the first restoration phase.

In Lemberg, the Rotovž and the pillory were fully restored in 2010. The Rotovž houses an exhibition on the history of the Lemberg market, featuring rare original remnants of crafts and the administration of justice.

Experiences

At the Muzej Baroka, visitors can walk around the original sculptures and view them from all angles. A video projection there takes visitors to five Baroque churches in the Obsotelje and Kozjansko regions. The “Raziskovanje Šmarja pri Jelšah” experience includes an introduction to the basics of the Šmarje dialect in the atrium of the Muzej Baroka, as well as a visit to Kmetija Vizjak.

At ČAR VRTa, guided walks are offered among numerous species of ornamental perennials and woody plants, including many plants used for medicinal and culinary purposes. The “Po gričih okrog Šmarja” route is also suitable for less experienced hikers and families with small children.

The Kolesarska pot 11 follows a circular route from Rogaška Slatina via Rogatec, Sv. Florijan, Cerovec pod Bočem, Kostrivnica, Sladka Gora, Šmarje pri Jelšah, Kristan Vrh and Vonarje, returning to Rogaška Slatina (centre).

Local Offerings

The Šmarska tržnica is a freely accessible local market where food of local origin can be purchased. Various types of chillies are grown at Kmetija Vizjak and used for products such as wine, chilli sauces and honey. Tastings of high-quality wines from local winemakers are offered at Šmarska vinska klet.

Getting There

The centre of the Šmarje pri Jelšah destination can be reached by train or bus. The TIC – turistično informacijski center Šmarje pri Jelšah is located in Skazova hiša at Celjska cesta 6 in Šmarje pri Jelšah.

More local pages: Rogaška Slatina, Podčetrtek, Šmarje Pri Jelšah, Kozje, Gabrce, Rogatec, Lesično, Roginska Gorca, Bistrica Ob Sotli, Pristava pri Mestinju, Podsreda.

Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Šmarje pri Jelšah can find information about the destination here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Slovenia.