MORAVČE – LIMBARSKA GORA (773 m) – MORAVČE (Road)

Limbarska gora is one of the most scenic hills in the Ljubljana area. It is a popular excursion destination, especially among cyclists and hikers. There is a mighty baroque Church of St. Valentin with a separate bell tower there. The climb is rewarded with an exceptional view of the surrounding hills with your gaze even reaching the Alps with Triglav, the highest Slovenian mountain, when the weather is clear.

You will ride to Limbarska Gora from Moravče, a town in the hinterland of Ljubljana which marks the centre of the valley of Moravška dolina, once called the "valley of castles". Nowadays, only one castle remains: Tuštanj.
Moravče is an old ecclesiastical centre, as the parish was here nearly a thousand years ago. The Baroque church of St. Martin in the middle of the old Moravče centre is the biggest local landmark, and has a small park next to it.

Next to the church is a large car park where you start your cycling tour. You will be guided to your destination by traffic signs that will lead you on quiet roads through villages and forests, and through the midst of vast meadows and pastures. The higher you go, the more scenic the route will be, until you are greeted by a royal view at the end of the climb. There is an inn (Urankar) at the top, but it is usually only open on weekends.

The pilgrimage church of St. Valentine, a patron saint of people in love and of newlyweds, is usually closed, but is also interesting for its exterior. In the early 18th century, the building of the church was entrusted to the then most famous Baroque architect, Ljubljana’s Gregor Maček, and it was to be his greatest masterpiece.