14 Ivančna Gorica
The refectory of the Stična Cistercian Abbey
Ora et labora An important role in the development of food culture in Central Slovenia is being played by convents and monasteries, which have contributed enormously to culinary education by introducing new dishes and methods of preparation. The Cistercian monastery in the village of Stična was founded by Peregrine I, Patriarch of Aquileia with the help of St. Bernard. The first monks arrived in Stična as early as in 1132. By 1135, the monastery was already suitable for the monks to move in. In 1784, at the time of Josephine reforms, the monastery was dissolved, but in 1898 monks returned to Stična. Today, the Stična Cistercian Abbey is Slovenia's only functioning Cistercian monastery and an important spiritual and cultural centre. It is engaged both in spiritual and economic activities, the latter mainly including the production of milk, dairy and dry-cured meat products, and herbal remedies.
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Stična monastery teas Stiški samostanski čaji
Father Simon Ašič (1906–1992) practiced natural medicine using herbal remedies. At first, he developed his knowledge only for the benefit of the monastery, but later he expanded his reach and his numerous medicinal teas became commercially available. The rich legacy of his work in the field of herbal medicine was incorporated into a now very successful brand.