Monasteries seem to be a remnant of some distant past, but there are quite a few that are still very much alive. Slovenia has 42 operating monasteries, 14 that have been closed down, and some monasteries that have fallen into ruin.
In addition to the Stična Abbey, some of the most beautiful and interesting monasteries in Slovenia include the Cistercian Monastery in Kostanjevica na Krki, the Franciscan Monastery in Ljubljana – the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, the Žiče Charterhouse, the Jurklošter Charterhouse and many more.
With the exception of monasteries that have no contact with the outside world other than for the purposes of obtaining vital necessities, Slovenian monasteries are very much involved, directly or indirectly, in the lives of the places where they are located. They are typically involved in activities such as cultural activities, work with young people, charitable activities, and, for example, herbal medicine.
