Monastery Garden

Žiče Charterhouse, Žička kartuzija in Slovene, lies in a quiet wooded valley near Slovenske Konjice in Štajerska, in northeastern Slovenia, and it was the first Carthusian monastery in the Slovene lands. It was founded in the twelfth century by the ruler of Styria, and for several centuries the white-robed monks lived here in silence and prayer. In the eighteenth century the Emperor Joseph II closed the monastery, as he did with many contemplative orders, and the buildings gradually fell into decay. Today the complex is a mixture of ruins, restored buildings and a church, and part of it has been revived for visitors. The garden belongs to that revival and recalls the side of monastic life that was practical as well as spiritual.

Gardens were central to Carthusian life. The monks lived in separate cells, each with its own small enclosed plot, and they grew vegetables, fruit and herbs for their own use, from kitchen plants to medicinal species used for remedies, teas and tinctures. Herbal knowledge was part of the tradition, and monasteries across Europe preserved and passed on the lore of medicinal plants, so a monastery garden is also a living record of old pharmacy. In the herb garden at Žiče, the plantings reflect this heritage, with beds of culinary and medicinal herbs, aromatic plants and flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Information on the uses and folklore of the plants helps visitors to understand why each one was grown, and guided tours are sometimes organised.

The garden is a calm place to linger. Its setting among the ruins and the green valley, with woods rising on all sides, gives it a quiet and contemplative atmosphere, and the scents of thyme, sage, lavender and mint are strongest on warm days. Late spring and summer are the best seasons for flowers and fragrance, though a winter garden has also been created to extend interest through the colder months. The surroundings offer a few extras, such as the old inn building known as Gastuž, which serves food and drink, and other restaurants in the area. A marked path of so-called energy points in the grounds appeals to those who enjoy the idea of a place of quiet energy, though it is a matter of belief rather than of science.

Visitors can combine the garden with a look at the monastery ruins, the church and the exhibitions in the complex, and a short drive leads to Slovenske Konjice and its wine road. The garden suits walkers, families, garden lovers and anyone seeking a quiet hour. Opening times and tours vary by season, so check ahead.