This time we drive towards Maribor and at the Tepanje toll booth turn for Slovenske Konjice. We are located in the Dravinjska dolina and let's continue driving along the well-marked road to Žič and further towards Špitalič, where the valley of Sv. Janeza narrows well and a view of the Žička Carthusian opens up in front of us.
A visit to the Žička Kartuzia is a very interesting adventure. What has not yet been restored is easy to picture in our imagination, as the greater part is still in ruins. But that doesn't stop us from imagining its rich history. For a few years, the Žička Carthusian Order was even a European regular center, it had a rich library, and the monks diligently copied older manuscripts themselves in the scriptorium in the church annex. In addition, they were engaged in healing and the cultivation of medicinal herbs. Today, the tradition of preparing fortifying and healing drops, potions and ointments is continued in the Trebnik Manor in Slovenske Konjice; of course, they also have a store in Žiče, where they also take care of a rich garden of medicinal and fragrant herbs. Let's drive to the opposite hill, where just above the old town center of Slovenske Konjice, in the embrace of the park, the aforementioned Trebnik manor rests quietly, which, despite its peaceful appearance, surprises the traveler with its diversity. The guests are welcomed by the real "castle staff", who invite them to the Herb Gallery, equipped with antique furniture, which evokes feelings of romance and nostalgia for the "good old days". What is perfect for presenting the forgotten knowledge of our ancestors is combined in original herbal products that someone who likes to indulge his senses can also try. There is also a collection of old carriages, which "takes" us to the world of the past, when no steel horses rumbled along the dusty roads, but rather royal carriages. The old vaulted cellar of the manor is also inviting to visit, where you can refresh yourself with a noble drop under the friendly lighting of candles. Next to the manor there is a herb garden with many well-known and forgotten herbs that impress with their beauty, rich aromas and useful value. Exhibitions and various workshops are organized in the manor, and their ambience is also very popular for wedding celebrations and for all those who want to forget the hustle and bustle of the everyday world and are looking for peace and a pleasant atmosphere.
An afternoon in a healthy city
It would be a shame to miss a walk through the center of Slovenske Konjice, which has been participating in the Healthy Cities project for four years. To date, the project has grown into an international movement, as over 1,000 cities are already connected in three international and 30 national networks. With the project, they strive for every city to lead a healthy public policy, which is expressed in greater concern for health, in the improvement of the health condition of the inhabitants, in the protection of the urban environment, and above all in taking into account the citizens' suggestions for a better life in the city. Whether the vision for a better and better quality of life is already working, we can check directly from the mouths of the locals, so let's go to the City Cafe of the Dravinja Hotel, enjoy a coffee and a tempting dessert in a tastefully furnished atmosphere and get involved in a conversation with the friendly staff. And hop, on, towards a new hill, of which there is really no shortage in this area. Along the way, we also stop at Žvikart Beekeeping, which has a long tradition of beekeeping. Today, they harvest honey from more than 200 hives and are ready to present to visitors the work of beekeepers, their equipment and the work of the bee family, its importance for preserving the environment and the healing effect of bee products on our health. Take home one or more of their products, where you can choose from as many as six types of honey, delicious gingerbread, honey brandy and a novelty - medicinal flower powder.
Towards the end of the day
The day is really too short for everyone, but we can hardly return home without visiting the nearby vineyards, so let's also visit the Zlati grič winery, which is located 800 meters from the city center, in the middle of the Škal vineyards, and end the trip by enjoying typical cuisine and a glass of top quality wine in hand.
Information:
ŽIČKA CARTUZIJA, Žiče, Slovenske Konjice
DVOREC TREBNIK, Grajska 4, Slovenske Konjice, (03) 758 04 84
DRAVINJA HOTEL, Mestna kavarna, Mestni trg 2, Slovenske Konjice, (03) 757 57 00
ŽVIKART BEEKEEPING, Mizarska cesta, Slovenske Konjice, 041 856 172 www.cebelarstvo-zvikart.si
VINOTOČ ZLATI GRIČ, Škalce 86, Slovenske Konjice, (03) 758 03 61
