Piranesi Award 2022: Covering the remains of the Church of St. John the Baptist in the Žiče Charterhouse and the temporary lapidary

The monastery, set back from the hustle of the present day, was deliberately placed in a remote valley, away from the main roads, even at the time of its foundation by the Carthusian religious order in 1160. In a place of peace, which would allow the monks to meditate, to reconcile, to strive for God’s grace. Just far enough so that in their silence, in their stillness, they could above all look after themselves.

Several more Charterhouses were later founded in Slovenia, the one in Jurklošter at almost the same time in the 12th century, in Bistra in the 13th century and in Pleterje at the beginning of the 15th century, the latter remaining the only active Charterhouse to this day, and one of the most recognizable ecclesiastical institutions in our country. Its tradition continues, as does the prayer inside its walls, thanks to, among other things, its economy and the production of special products. Pleterje is a Charterhouse that has managed to survive all the troubles it has faced, to persevere and to continue its mission. Most of the monasteries have a different story, as they were dissolved due to the reforms of Emperor Joseph II which abolished them. The vast majority of them fell into financial difficulties and, in the absence of new programmes that could financially sustain such large complexes, they began to fall into ruin.

This is exactly what happened to the Žiče Charterhouse: gradual decay, decomposing, and the use of its material substance – from stones and roof tiles to wooden structures – as building material for neighbouring houses and settlements. The decay continued in the 19th and 20th centuries and, truth be told, the post-war socialist authorities were not very favourably inclined towards ecclesiastical institutions, either. It was only gradually that at least some of the architectural heritage was restored and recognized as such on the basis of the quality of its built fabric. But any extensive and quality renovation project has always been hampered by the lack of financial and other resources. Thus, over the years, the Žiče Charterhouse has undergone a series of partial renovations, and in some parts the former complex has slowly been given back an appearance roughly equivalent to that of the 19th century.