Polhov Gradec

Polhov Gradec is picturesque village in the Polhograjsko hribovje hills. In its old city centre stands the Baroque Church of Mary’s Birth, built in 1736. On a nearby hill Gora (824 m) settlements reach as far back as the Iron Age, while in Roman times a settlement Ad Nonum stood close by. On the hill Kalvarija (460 m) old castle ruins can be seen. The new castle, designed in 17th century, is surrounded by a beautiful park and stands in by the village in the valley. Here is also a local museum and an exhibition spurge laurel. A well with the statue of Neptun and four nymphs stands by the castle.

Around Polhov Gradec a botanical speciality can be found, spurge laurel (Daphne blagayana), a rare kind of mountain plant, known also as the king’s flower, discovered right here. A monument for the king’s plant stands at the foothills of Gora, raised by the Count Ursini Blagaj, who lived in Polhov Gradec between 1808 and 1858.

Tourist information

• Polhogradec Mansion

Churches

• The Church of Mary’s Birth
• Court by Polhov Gradec

Castles & mansions

• Polhogradec Mansion

Museums

• Technical museum of Slovenia – Museum of post and telecommunication