A visit to the Žička Carthusian Monastery is not only a journey into the past but also an invitation to reflect on the future!
At a time when we face climate change, the depletion of natural resources, and the fast pace of modern life, sustainable tourism is becoming a key bridge between heritage conservation and a responsible approach towards nature. In the Žička Carthusian Monastery, between the silence of the old walls and the richness of nature, there is an opportunity to adopt a way of living and travelling that respects the environment’s limits and seeks a balance between humanity and its surroundings. We need a cultural transformation.
The cultural landscape, as seen in the surroundings of the Žica Carthage (vineyards, meadows, orchards, herb gardens), plays an active role in mitigating climate change: trees, vines, meadows and orchards sequester carbon and thus reduce the region’s carbon footprint; they reduce extreme temperature peaks (cooling in summer, mitigating cold in autumn and winter), which allows for quality food production; the diverse habitat elements allow for the survival of many species of fauna and flora, while at the same time natural corridors allow for their migration.
On May 24th and 25th, 2025, in cooperation with local food and tourism providers (Local Tourist Centre Slovenske Konjice, Family Farm Majnik, Family Farm Meglič, and Aroma Atelier), we tested a new potential product with 60 citizens. In the morning, a guided tour of the Monastery’s herbal garden, accompanied by a presentation on herbs and their uses, was organised. Visitors tested the herbal teas and learned how to distil the herbs for aromatherapy. After lunch, a historical and cultural tour was organised to learn more about the history of the Monastery and the way of life of the monks.
Participants agreed that connecting cultural and natural resources during a visit to the destination offers a more comprehensive presentation of what can be offered to future tourists visiting the area.
