Slovenia - Bled, Pilgrimage Church

The Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary (also known as Church of Mary or in Slovenian language Cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja) is located on a small island in the middle of Lake Bled.
Before this church was built, a temple dedicated to the pagan goddess of life and fertility stood at the same place. After Christianisation in 745, the ancient Slavic temple was replaced by a church, dedicated to the birth of Mary. The church was renovated in 1465. Present-day Church of Mary was rebuilt in the 17th century after an earthquake. The interior is decorated with remains of gothic frescos from around 1470 in the presbyterium and rich baroque equipment with a golden central altar and three marble side altars.

The church has a free standing 52 meters high bell tower - added in 1465 - which can be visited. The tower has one large and two small bells that still resound today.

The church lies on an island in the western part of Lake Bled and has been a place of worship for Catholics and a pilgrimage destination over the centuries. The first pilgrims visited the church already in the 12th century, asking for indulgences. They travelled to the island by pletnas. A pletna is a wooden gondola-like boat with a canopy, traditional for Lake Bled and still the main means of transport.

Of special interest in the church is a bell of wishes, made by Francesco Patavino from Padova in 1534. The legend says that those who ring the bell and make a wish, will see their wish come true.
It is possible to have Catholic, Protestant or even civil wedding ceremonies in the Church of Mary. It is a tradition that before getting married the groom carries the bride up the 99 stone steps of the staircase located on the southern part of the island.