Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Church · Tolmin, Goriška
Memorial Church of the Holy Spirit (Javorca)
The wooden memorial church built in 1916 by Austro-Hungarian soldiers above the Tolminka valley, with the names of the dead burned into oak panels. It holds the European Heritage Label.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Memorial Church of the Holy Spirit (Javorca)
The Church of the Holy Spirit of Javorca (cerkev Svetega Duha v Javorci) stands on a slope above the Polog pasture in the Tolminka valley, about 8 km from Zatolmin. It was built from March to November 1916 during the Battles of the Isonzo by Austro-Hungarian soldiers from the Tolmin front, in memory of their fallen comrades.
The design is by Viennese painter-architect Remigius Geyling, then a lieutenant, in the Secession style. The church is almost entirely wooden, with a painted exterior and the coats of arms of the lands of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Inside, the names of the dead were burned into oak panels that open like pages of a book along the walls.
The church was restored and is maintained by the Municipality of Tolmin together with the Tolmin Museum. It is considered one of the main First World War monuments in Slovenia and received the European Heritage Label. It is one of the main stops on the Peace Trail.
The church opens on spring weekends, more frequently from late April and daily in summer. Masses are still celebrated there a few times a year.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours, including the valley walk, the ascent on foot and the visit.
Best time
From June to September, when the church is open every day. In spring, only on weekends and holidays. Confirm hours and access before you go.
How to get there
From Tolmin, follow the road to Zatolmin along the Tolminka valley, about 8 km, to the parking below the church, then climb on foot in about 15 minutes. In summer car access can be restricted, with seasonal buses; confirm in advance.
Tip
Combine it with the Tolminka spring, about an hour and a half more walking, or with the high pastures in the valley.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Memorial Church of the Holy Spirit (Javorca)
Who built the church of Javorca?
Austro‑Hungarian soldiers of the Tolmin front, in 1916, to a design by Viennese architect Remigius Geyling.
When does the church of Javorca open?
On spring weekends, more frequently from late April and every day in summer; confirm the opening hours.
How do you get to the church of Javorca?
From Tolmin via Zatolmin and the Tolminka valley, about 8 km, plus a 15‑minute walk. In summer, car access may be restricted.