A 700-YEAR-OLD MONASTERY
Nestled beneath the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, just a short distance from the centre of Kamnik, Mekinje Monastery has stood proudly for more than seven centuries. Its imposing presence continues to attract visitors, while for local residents it remains closely associated with the Ursuline sisters, who only recently left the monastery and donated it to the Municipality of Kamnik. Originally built as a castle of the Counts of Gallenberg, the complex became a convent of the Poor Clares in 1300. The nuns remained there until the reforms of the Enlightenment era, when Emperor Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor dissolved the monastery by decree in 1782. Until the arrival of the Ursuline sisters in 1903, the building served various purposes. With the arrival of the nuns, the monastery once again came to life. The sisters developed a close relationship with the local community, operated a school, and even after the nationalisation of the monastery continued to remain in Mekinje despite limited space. Following restitution in 1990, they began a careful restoration of the monastery and gave it renewed life. However, the damage caused over previous decades proved extensive, and the restoration became an immense financial undertaking.
Since the establishment of the public institution Javni zavod Mekinjski samostan, the former Mekinje Monastery has become a popular cultural centre. With its numerous rooms and accommodation capacities, the monastery offers a unique setting for the organisation of events. Four halls of various sizes are available for events, the largest of which is the Grand Hall. It can accommodate up to 80 guests.
CONTACT
Samostan Mekinje
Polčeva pot 10
Mekinje, Kamnik
T: +386 (0)1 8938 898
E: info@samostanmekinje.si
W: www.samostanmekinje.si
