Franciscan Church

The Franciscan Church, or the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, is the oldest and first basilica in Slovenia. It is also one of the largest churches in the country, measuring 57.5 meters in length. The honorary title of basilica was granted to it by Pope Pius X in 1906. The basilica once housed the largest bells in this part of Europe. The Bell of Our Lady of Mercy weighed an impressive 5,855 kg and could be heard dozens of kilometers away, but sadly it was lost during World War II. The twin towers rise to 61 meters in height, and in the crypt beneath the church, Blessed Bishop Anton Martin Slomšek rested from 1941 to 1978. The high altar, which holds the miraculous image, is made of 17 different types of marble. Holy Mass from the basilica is broadcast live every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on TV Exodus.