St. Martin's Parish Church Bled - Chapelle Notre-Dame de Val-André.
Cette chapelle de style néogothique à vaisseau unique est construite en granit de l’Ile Grande et en grès rose d’Erquy, son plan en forme de croix latine est surmonté d’un couvrement formé par une voute sur croisée d’ogives bombée de type angevin. En 1894, plusieurs résidents envisagent la construction d’une chapelle au Val André. Pour ce faire, ils contactent Mgr Fallières, évêque de Saint Brieuc, qui donne son accord sous réserve que le Recteur Jaffrain de la Paroisse soit d’accord.
Un appel aux dons auprès de la population et des fêtes furent organisés pour recueillir la somme d’argent suffisante pour démarrer la construction de la chapelle en 1896.
La première pierre fut posée et bénite par M. le Vicaire Général Morelle le 21 décembre 1896.
Les plans furent établis par l’architecte diocésain M. Morvan et les travaux confiés à M. Eveillard, entrepreneur à Lamballe.
Le 11 avril 1899 l’édifice a été béni par Mgr Morelle, devenu évêque entre-temps.
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St. Martin's Parish Church Bled

4.6
·427 reviews·, Slovenia

A Neo-Gothic gem beneath Bled Castle, offering stunning lake views and captivating frescoes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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St. Martin's Parish Church Bled - Chapelle Notre-Dame de Val-André.
Cette chapelle de style néogothique à vaisseau unique est construite en granit de l’Ile Grande et en grès rose d’Erquy, son plan en forme de croix latine est surmonté d’un couvrement formé par une voute sur croisée d’ogives bombée de type angevin. En 1894, plusieurs résidents envisagent la construction d’une chapelle au Val André. Pour ce faire, ils contactent Mgr Fallières, évêque de Saint Brieuc, qui donne son accord sous réserve que le Recteur Jaffrain de la Paroisse soit d’accord.
Un appel aux dons auprès de la population et des fêtes furent organisés pour recueillir la somme d’argent suffisante pour démarrer la construction de la chapelle en 1896.
La première pierre fut posée et bénite par M. le Vicaire Général Morelle le 21 décembre 1896.
Les plans furent établis par l’architecte diocésain M. Morvan et les travaux confiés à M. Eveillard, entrepreneur à Lamballe.
Le 11 avril 1899 l’édifice a été béni par Mgr Morelle, devenu évêque entre-temps.

St. Martin's Parish Church Bled

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Neo-Gothic gem beneath Bled Castle, offering stunning lake views and captivating frescoes.

4.6
(427 reviews)

"Beautiful catholic church. We went there for a mass on Sunday and returned later on that day to the some photos."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Views

The park next to the church offers amazing lake views. Perfect for photos!

🏰 Combine with Castle Visit

Easy route up to Bled Castle from here. See both in one go!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Neo-Gothic Architecture

Neo-Gothic Architecture

Exterior

Admire the elegant Neo-Gothic design, built between 1903-1905, a beautiful contrast to the natural landscape.

Tone Kralj Frescoes

Tone Kralj Frescoes

Interior

Be captivated by the vibrant 1930s murals by Slovenian artist Tone Kralj, adorning the church walls.

Panoramic Lake Views

Panoramic Lake Views

Church grounds

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Lake Bled and its island from the church's elevated position.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to St. Martin's

Consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate the serene atmosphere. Early mornings or late afternoons offer fewer crowds and softer light for photos. Check mass schedules if you wish to attend a service.

Access and Surroundings

Located beneath Bled Castle, the church is easily accessible. The surrounding park offers stunning views of Lake Bled, making it a perfect stop before or after visiting the castle.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter
Why
Sunlight through stained glass
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is the best view in Monaco 🇲🇨⬇️ • 📍 Find this exact spot in the park Jardins de Saint-Martin, right across the street of the Cathédrale de Monaco • P.S. This spot is not as scary as it looks like from this captured angle 😌 • • #monaco #europetravel #eurosummer #traveltips
@voyagefox
23.4K likes • 548.8K views

📸 Capture the Views

The park next to the church offers amazing lake views. Perfect for photos! Instagram

🏰 Combine with Castle Visit

Easy route up to Bled Castle from here. See both in one go! Reddit

As I was going down from Bled Castle to the lake, I found this little church, St. Martin’s Parish Church…looks simple outside but so beautiful inside…I had the chance once more to pray and express my gratitude for these blessings to travel and experience other parts of the world! My heart is full! #bled #slovenia #bledslovenia #stmartinparish #church #catholicchurch #RomanCatholic
dan1st2000
16 likes • 0 views
reddit.com

I was lucky to visit Lake Bled last summer. I was wondering what you locals call the church in the middle of the lake. I found a name online that I used in the video, but I thought it was a bit long..

🎨 Appreciate the Art

Don't miss the stunning frescoes inside; they're truly remarkable. Reddit

🙏 Peaceful Reflection

A lovely spot for a quick prayer or moment of gratitude. Instagram

reddit.com

Slovenia Travel Tips

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Views

The park next to the church offers amazing lake views. Perfect for photos! Instagram

🏰 Combine with Castle Visit

Easy route up to Bled Castle from here. See both in one go! Reddit

🎨 Appreciate the Art

Don't miss the stunning frescoes inside; they're truly remarkable. Reddit

🙏 Peaceful Reflection

A lovely spot for a quick prayer or moment of gratitude. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(427 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise St. Martin's Parish Church for its stunning location offering panoramic views of Lake Bled and its beautiful Neo-Gothic architecture. The interior frescoes by Tone Kralj are frequently highlighted as a major artistic draw. While generally well-received, some note that the interior might be more impactful during specific lighting conditions.

"The beautiful neo-gothic St Martin’s Church in Lake Bled was built in 1905 at the site of the former Gothic church from the 15th century."

Francine Laura

"Probably the best place for a church in Bled. You can see the park next to lake and the lake itself. The inside is probably better in winter time, because the lower sun gets through the stained glass windows and puts beautiful colors inside. The frescoes are amazing and the walls are colorful."

Rok Stražar

"Situated on a hill beneath Bled Castle (Blejski grad), this peaceful and elegant church is built in the Neo-Gothic style. Constructed between 1903 and 1905, it was influenced by the work of Friedrich von Schmidt. Inside, the church features murals painted in the 1930s by Slovenian artist Tone Kralj, adding a distinct cultural and artistic touch to its spiritual atmosphere."

Seokjin Ham

What People Like

Spectacular lake views
Beautiful frescoes
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Interior lighting varies

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is situated below Bled Castle. If arriving by bus, you can walk from the bus station towards the lake and then head uphill towards the castle. It's a pleasant walk with scenic views along the way. Reddit

While direct parking at the church might be limited, there are parking areas near Lake Bled and Bled Castle. It's often best to park and enjoy a walk to the church. Reddit

Yes, absolutely! It's a short and scenic walk from the lakefront up to the church, which is located on a hill. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to St. Martin's Parish Church itself is typically free. There are no admission fees to enter and admire the architecture and artwork. Reddit

The church is generally open during daylight hours, but specific times can vary. It's advisable to check locally or be mindful of mass times if you plan to visit. Reddit

No, there is no entrance fee to visit St. Martin's Parish Church. You can freely enter to explore its interior and admire the art. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find beautiful Neo-Gothic architecture and striking frescoes painted in the 1930s by Slovenian artist Tone Kralj. The stained glass windows are also noteworthy. Reddit

Yes, the church grounds offer fantastic photo opportunities with views of Lake Bled. The interior also has artistic elements worth capturing. Instagram

Absolutely. It's a perfect spot for a brief stop to appreciate the architecture, art, and the peaceful ambiance. Reddit

Yes, St. Martin's is an active parish church. You can attend Sunday mass or other services if your visit coincides. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the exterior and the views of the lake. Early mornings can also be lovely and less crowded. Instagram

Generally, photography is permitted inside for personal use, but it's always respectful to be discreet and avoid flash photography, especially during services. Reddit

The exterior architecture, the frescoes inside, and especially the panoramic views of Lake Bled from the church grounds are highly photogenic. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Martin's Parish Church is a great, easily accessible stop for families. The church itself is beautiful and offers a quiet moment, while the surrounding park provides space for kids to move around. The stunning views of Lake Bled from the church grounds are a big hit with children, offering a picturesque backdrop for family photos. It's also a good opportunity to introduce children to different architectural styles and religious art in a non-overwhelming setting. Consider combining this visit with a trip to Bled Castle, which is just uphill and offers more interactive historical experiences for younger visitors.

📸 Photographers

For photographers, St. Martin's Parish Church offers a trifecta of visual appeal: Neo-Gothic architecture, intricate interior frescoes, and breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Bled. The late afternoon 'golden hour' is particularly recommended for capturing the landscape bathed in warm light. The church's elevated position provides unique angles for photographing the lake and island. Inside, the detailed artwork by Tone Kralj presents a rich subject for close-up shots, while the stained glass windows can create dramatic lighting effects. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Hikers

The church is perfectly situated for those exploring Bled on foot. It's a pleasant walk from the lakefront, offering a gentle uphill climb that rewards you with rewarding views. Many visitors combine a stroll around Lake Bled with a visit to the church and then continue up to Bled Castle. The path is well-maintained and offers scenic vistas throughout, making it an enjoyable part of a day exploring the area. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance

St. Martin's Parish Church, built between 1903 and 1905, stands as a notable example of Neo-Gothic architecture in Bled. It was constructed on the site of a former 15th-century Gothic church, preserving a sense of historical continuity. The design was influenced by Friedrich von Schmidt, a prominent architect of his time, contributing to its elegant and imposing facade. The church's integration into the landscape, perched beneath the iconic Bled Castle, makes it a picturesque landmark.

The interior of St. Martin's is equally impressive, featuring murals created in the 1930s by the renowned Slovenian artist Tone Kralj. These artworks add a significant cultural and artistic dimension to the spiritual space. Visitors often remark on the beauty of the frescoes, which are a key attraction. The church also boasts beautiful stained glass windows, which can cast a colorful glow inside, particularly during certain times of the day or year. Reddit

Artistic Treasures Within

The frescoes by Tone Kralj are a major draw for visitors to St. Martin's Parish Church. These vibrant murals depict various religious scenes and figures, showcasing Kralj's distinctive style and artistic talent. Many reviewers highlight the impact of these artworks, describing them as 'amazing' and something that 'blew me away.' The detailed artistry and the emotional resonance of the frescoes contribute significantly to the church's atmosphere.

Beyond the frescoes, the stained glass windows offer another layer of visual appeal. During winter months, the lower sun angle can create a particularly beautiful effect as light filters through the colored glass, bathing the interior in a spectrum of hues. This unique interplay of light and art is often mentioned as a reason to visit, especially for those seeking a more contemplative experience. Reddit

Scenic Location and Views

St. Martin's Parish Church enjoys a prime location, situated on a hill directly beneath the imposing Bled Castle. This elevated position provides visitors with spectacular panoramic views of the iconic Lake Bled, its island, and the surrounding Julian Alps. Many visitors find this vantage point to be one of the best places to appreciate the natural beauty of the region. The church grounds themselves are often described as peaceful and elegant, offering a serene setting to soak in the scenery.

The proximity to Bled Castle makes St. Martin's an ideal stop for a combined itinerary. Travelers can easily visit both attractions in one outing, enjoying the historical significance of the castle and the spiritual and scenic beauty of the church. The easy route up the hill from the lake to the castle, passing by the church, is a popular choice for many tourists. InstagramReddit

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