Church of Saint Anna
On the southern side of Ljubljana lies the Ljubljana Marshes, a 160-sq km natural marshland comprising marshes and peat bogs. Much of this area is flat, so as you drive through you won’t be able to miss the 384m-hill and its lone church glistening in the sunlight. This is the 16th century Christian church dedicated to Saint Anna, and more importantly, a great place from which to photograph the mountains of Slovenia.
Panoramic Views
I recently returned to this great location when my photographer friend and YouTuber, Louise Welcome, visited Slovenia with her husband. I took them both to see this fabulous view.
This little hilltop provides amazing panoramic views of the whole of the Ljubljana Marshes, across to the city of Ljubljana, the Polhov Gradec Dolomites, the Kamnik Alps and the forested slopes of Krim Mountain. When it’s clear enough, you can even see the Julian Alps and Mount Triglav; Slovenia’s highest mountain peak.
How to get there
To get there simply take the Ljubljana ring road and head south. On the southern side take exit 33 for Rudnik and head for Crna Vas. At the traffic lights go straight ahead and follow the long, straight road through Crna Vas to Podpec. The hill and church are visible from all directions as you drive towards Podpec.
If you want to make a hiking trip up to this hill, then read my article here:
If you want a quicker and easier walk up, especially if you want to come for sunrise, then at the roundabout in Podpec take the first exit and head down this road until you come to a turning left for Preserje. Follow this road up until you come to another left turn at the top which will take you to a small car park.
From this car park you can simply walk the forest road up to the church. It takes about 20 minutes and is very easy. It’s a gravel road all the way so you could even drive up to a closer point, but I would advise you to walk. It’s not that far. It’s the best way to go especially if you are going up in the dark for sunrise, or even having to return after sunset.
Watch my video of the walk
Great in the morning
A great time to photograph here is at sunrise, especially from March to September when the sun rises in view. Further into winter it rises more to the south behind Krim, but still can produce great side lighting raking over the low lying morning mist.
Mountain views
The views here are panoramic, and you can see right across to the city of Ljubljana and even see the Ljubljana Castle to the east. The majestic Kamnik Alps are clearly visible to the north on most days, as are the Polhov Gradec Dolomites to the west. When it’s clear enough, you can even see Mount Triglav (Slovenia’s highest peak).
Other Churches
Of course if you know anything about Slovenia, you will be well aware that there are churches everywhere. From Sveta Ana, you will also see numerous other churches across the Ljubljana Marshes.
Church of Saint Joseph
The most obvious will be off to the west, where there is another nice little old church on a hill called the Church of Saint Joseph. This church is great to photograph at sunset, or late afternoon, and even in the morning enshrouded in mist.
Church of Saint Maria
The visible church to the right is the Church of Saint Maria, also situated on a hilltop. It’s not so clear and interested as Joseph, but can be great in the mist and also with the sun setting over the hills behind.
Church of Saint Lawrence
The Church of Saint Lawrence provides great foreground interest in the eastern view and is fabulous at sunrise with the mist.
Krim Mountain
From this hilltop, Krim mountain rises majestically to the south reaching 1107 metres. The mountain appears as “The Southern Guard of Ljubljana Marshes”, its densely wooded slopes forming a dramatic backdrop against the flat expanse of the marshlands below. From this elevated vantage point, Krim’s summit and ridgelines are clearly visible. The view encompasses the forested slopes of Krim, and is lovely in both the morning and afternoon light, and in all seasons.
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