This article examines the demographically threatened region of the local community of Jurklošter in the southeastern part of the Alpine Sava Hills (Posavsko hribovje), part of the municipality of ...Laško. It draws attention to the natural and social conditions in the region after the Second World War, which led to the steady depopulation of the area. The paper presents the characteristics of the geographical location, settlement, settlements, population and land use, and economic development. It emphasizes the significance of the exceptional natural and cultural heritage as bases for strengthening the role of tourism and recreation, which along with some complementary activities could help reverse negative population trends and provide new sources of income. It deals primarily with natural and cultural motives as important components of the tourism potential of the region.
The Carthusian Monastery in Jurklošter was founded in 1172 by Krško Bishop Henry, enabling the settlement of French and Italian monks in this area. The former charterhouse is made up of a mediaeval ...monastery church with remains of a manor built after demolition of the monastery in 1796, a section of the wall between the church and cemetery, a defence tower and a stone bridge across the Gračnica Stream. Jurklošter Monastery was one of four charterhouses in Slovenia. The monastery church is one of the few Romanesque monuments in Slovenia and is known for its typical architectural style named "Laško group" (church nave has a groin vault with square cross-sections). In addition to the rich legacy of the Carthusian monks, the Counts of Celje and the story about Frederick and Veronika are closely linked with the monastery.
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