It was founded by the Styrian Margrave Ottokar III.
The monastery was dissolved in 1782 by Emperor Joseph II during the Josephine reforms.
The onsite inn, Gastuž, once provided wine and bread to pilgrims before they entered the monastery walls.
The monastery was the first Carthusian house established outside the borders of France and Italy.
An herb garden is maintained based on the specific dietary and medicinal rules of the Carthusian order.
The walls were designed with a double enclosure to separate the monks' cloister from the lay brothers' quarters.
Founded in 1165, Žiče Charterhouse is the oldest Carthusian monastery in Central Europe. The site was built in the isolated St. John the Baptist Valley to ensure the silence required by the Carthusian order. Ruins of the Great Monastery still feature remnants of the Gothic Church of St. John the Baptist. The complex houses a restored Gastuž inn, which has operated in various capacities since 1467, making it one of the oldest inns in Slovenia. Visitors can explore the herb garden, which continues the historic tradition of medicinal plant cultivation practiced by monks. The site remains a protected cultural monument managed by the Municipality of Slovenske Konjice. Excavations have revealed complex water management systems and advanced medieval heating remnants. The location is characterized by its heavy stone masonry and surrounding forested hills.
The arched ruins of the Church of St. John the Baptist provide the most iconic framing against the backdrop of the forested valley.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, as the site features uneven historical stone pathways.
Allow extra time to visit the nearby Gastuž inn for traditional monastic-inspired culinary offerings.
Check the official website for current exhibition schedules as the site frequently hosts temporary local cultural displays.
Do not attempt to climb or walk on unstable masonry walls; avoid entering marked restricted zones for visitor safety.
The site is typically closed on Mondays; always verify seasonal operation hours as they often extend during peak summer months and shorten in winter.
Maintain a quiet tone, as the site is considered a place of historical reflection; maintain respect for ongoing restoration areas.
