Parish Church of St. Leonard

Lenart is a small town in Slovenske gorice, the rolling wine country between Maribor and the Austrian border, and it takes its name from its patron saint, Leonard. St Leonard is traditionally invoked as the protector of prisoners and of farm animals, and his cult was strong in Styria and the neighbouring Alpine regions, which explains why so many villages and churches carry his name. The parish church of St Leonard stands above the town and gives it its character, with a tower visible from many of the surrounding hills.

The church is a Gothic building from the late Middle Ages, and the Gothic structure, with its pointed windows and ribbed vaults, still determines its look, although it has been repaired and altered repeatedly. As in many Slovene parish churches, the interior is richer than the outside suggests. There are several altars, with altarpieces and statues from different periods, and the fittings reflect generations of donations from local families. Tombstones set into the exterior walls, some carved in fine stone, record the names of local nobles and burghers, and a memorial plaque commemorates the people of the parish who died in the First World War. Details like these make the church a small museum of local history.

The setting adds to the visit. The church sits on a slope with views over vineyards and fields, and a spring flows below it, a feature that was often chosen for churches in the past. Walking paths link the church to other places in town, including a Way of the Cross that climbs the hill, and the path is a pleasant stroll in the afternoon. The surrounding area is known for its wine, and several local producers offer tastings, among them the Hiša Joannes Protner Winery, while the Wine Fountain Vodole is a novelty where visitors can taste regional wines.

Other sights in the area include Negova Castle, a moated castle a short drive away, and the Cerkev Sv. Treh Kraljev, a church dedicated to the Three Kings. The region of Slovenske gorice is gentle and unhurried, best seen on a slow drive or bicycle ride, and Lenart makes a convenient stop on the way between Maribor and Gornja Radgona. The church is usually open for services, and visitors who wish to see the interior outside those times should ask locally or contact the parish.