Date: 14. August 2025
Time to read: 1 min
The mighty Basilica of Mary Help of Christians stands in the small village of Brezje near Radovljica in the Gorenjska region, beneath the Karavanke mountains. In 2000, the basilica was declared Slovenia's national shrine. Every year on the Feast of the Assumption – known in Slovenia as veliki šmaren – more than 10,000 people visit this national shrine in Brezje, where masses are held throughout the day.
A place of gathering, prayer and celebration
The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, which was declared a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1988, has been known as the Slovenian national shrine of Mary since 2000.
Around 400,000 people visit it every year, making it the most popular pilgrimage site in Slovenia. It has been attracting pilgrims since 1863.
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The Assumption of Mary is deeply rooted in Slovenian religious tradition. Since 1992, it has been a public holiday in Slovenia. Photo: Boštjan Podlogar/STA
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The Assumption of Mary, known in Slovenia as veliki šmaren, is one of the greatest Christian holidays. Photo: Boštjan Podlogar/STA
On 15 August, the Feast of the Assumption, the place takes on special significance, with many pilgrims coming on foot to fulfil a vow or express gratitude for intercession – some walking several tens of kilometres. An enormous crowd of believers gathers for the main festive mass, which takes place outdoors in front of the basilica. The park and atrium, designed by architect Jože Plečnik, transform into a place of communal prayer and singing, while the bells of the basilica fill the valley with their distinctive festive sound.
Valuable cultural heritage
Brezje is not only an important religious centre, but also a valuable part of Slovenian cultural heritage. The interior of the basilica and the Chapel of the Mother of God house works of art by Slovenian artists, and the facade is adorned with decorations based on designs by architect Ivan Vurnik. Although the Chapel of the Mother of God is not located in the centre of the church, it is considered the heart of the Brezje shrine. The ceiling and the image of Mary in the wooden altar were painted by Leopold Layer in 1814 as a token of his gratitude for being saved from prison.
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The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians stands in the small village of Brezje. Photo: Miran Kambič, Archive JZTK Radovljica/Slovenia.info
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The Assumption of Mary is among the oldest Marian feasts, with its first mentions dating back to before the 4th century. Photo: Janez Kotar, Archive Romar d.o.o./Slovenia.info
The relics of Pope John Paul II, kept in Brezje as a lasting reminder of his visit and connection to the site, are among the shrine's most treasured possessions. Right next to the basilica is the Nativity Museum, which many pilgrims visit on their day of pilgrimage. All this gives Brezje its unique charm, making it a place where hope, faith, art, tradition and modern life come together.
