Relikvije in relikviariji iz nekdanjega samostana dominikank v Studenicah

slovenian

2026

volume 97, issue 1

convents   female saints   male saints   relics   reliquaries

Zgodovinsko društvo v Mariboru
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

The Dominican convent in Studenice, founded in 1237, was one of the earliest convents for women in the Slovenian lands and an important spiritual, cultural and artistic centre. In addition to its architectural and historical significance, the convent is also known for its collection of 159 relics of various female and male saints, housed in 29 richly decorated reliquaries produced between the late 17th and the late 19th centuries, although the majority date from the 18th century. These precious objects bear witness to the profound faith and status of the convent and played an important role in the spiritual lives of the nuns and the faithful. They were often central to religious ceremonies, as the faithful regarded them as symbols of a direct connection with the saints whose intercession they sought. The collecting of relics by convents, churches and private individuals led to the creation of rich collections of relics and reliquaries. One such collection is undoubtedly that of the reliquaries from the former Dominican convent in Studenice, which ranks among the three most important collections of its kind in Slovenia. Twelve reliquaries are located on five altars in the convent church. Of these, two are placed on the large Baroque Altar of the Three Kings, one on either side of the tabernacle. Two reliquaries are located on the Baroque Carmelite Altar in the northern side chapel. Five reliquaries are arranged on the Baroque side altar of the Holy Cross. A further three reliquaries are located on the Baroque altar in the side chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary. Nine reliquaries are arranged in the enclosed nuns’ choir, where the nuns attended Mass separately from the rest of the congregation. Eight reliquaries are kept in a cabinet constructed in the former passageway within the nuns’ choir. The same cabinet also contains tools and various materials used by the nuns to decorate the relics. All of these reliquaries were decorated entirely by the Dominican nuns of Studenice. With its history, architecture and reliquaries, the Studenice convent represents an impor- tant part of Slovenia’s cultural heritage. The relics and reliquaries from the former Dominican convent in Studenice are not merely historical artefacts, but constitute a valuable spiritual and artistic heritage that also sheds light on the role of the convent in medieval and early modern Slovenian history. Their symbolic, artistic and spiritual significance extends far beyond their material value, as they form a link between past and present and preserve the memory of the spiritual lives of the Dominican nuns and the faithful over the centuries. Their preservation and study enable a deeper understanding of the profound faith, spiritual discipline and cultural refinement that characterised the lives of the Dominican nuns in Studenice.

06.10.2026