Gothic Church of Saint Kancijan and Ossuary

The Gothic Church of Saint Kancijan, named for the saint also known as Cantius, stands on the edge of the old town of Kranj, on the rock terrace above the gorge of the Kokra river, and it is the finest piece of Gothic architecture in the town. It was built in the fifteenth century, when Kranj was a prosperous trading town in Carniola, and its slender proportions, pointed arches and ribbed vaults are typical of the late Gothic style of the Alpine lands. The church is closely connected with the old cemetery that surrounds it, and the building and its setting form a quiet corner in a busy town.

The interior of a late Gothic church of this kind is typically tall and spare, with delicate vaulting that draws the eye upward, and the best way to see it is in daylight. Because opening hours can be limited, it is wise to ask at the Kranj tourist information office before you go, to check whether it is open and whether a guided visit is possible.

Beside the church is the ossuary, which holds the bones moved from the old cemetery over the centuries, as was the custom in many medieval towns when space ran out. Archaeological work in the area has revealed older layers, with evidence of early medieval burials and the remains of earlier religious buildings, which shows that this hilltop was a place of worship and burial long before the present church was built. The ossuary is a quiet and slightly sombre place, and visitors should treat it with respect, as it is a resting place and not a curiosity. Displays explain what was found and how the site developed.

The church and ossuary fit well into a walk through Kranj. Khislstein Castle and the Prešeren Theatre Kranj are a short walk away, the Kokra River Canyon is close, and the Underground Tunnels offer another unusual stop. St. Kancijan's Church is also well placed for views over the gorge.

The site suits lovers of medieval art, history and archaeology, and it is best seen in the morning light. Allow around half an hour, and combine it with the old town. Adjacent to the church, the Ossuary is a place for quiet respect. From the terrace you can look toward the Alps, and Kranj’s gorge below adds drama. It is among the finest Gothic buildings in Slovenia, and a good stop on any Slovenian town trail.