ST. ERASMUS CHURCH IN SOTESKA
Znane stavbe, Sakralni objekti, Kulturna dediščina, Zgodovinska dediščina
Soteska, 8351 Straža
The parish of Soteska is one of the two parishes that no longer have a permanent priest. It was founded in 1617, and the current church building was built between 1680 and 1690. The original church is said to have stood here before 1400, when the first priest of its own is mentioned. Its builders and patrons were the lords of Soteska estate. The church stands in the historically important settlement of Soteska, which lies in the area where Krka River flows into its first wider valley. In this heritage area, both river banks are under monument protection. Its strategic position is reflected in the mighty, recently partially reconstructed manor, which slovenian polymath Janez Vajkard Valvasor (German: Johann Weikhard Freiherr von Valvasor) already described as one of the most beautiful in the whole of historical Duchy of Carniola.
On the right bank of Krka River lie the barely visible remains of a much older castle. It is the only church dedicated to St. Erasmus (St. Elmo) in Slovenia. The former main wooden altar has been unfortunately destroyed, today, the scenery of the altar is painted on the wall, and in the middle hangs an icon of St. Erasmus. The coffered ceiling in the presbytery has been richly painted. This Goldenstein`s painting has also been destroyed. Both altars remained in the side chapel and are very beautiful products of the Baroque. The southern one is dedicated to the Lord's death on Calvary (underneath it is the grave of God), and the right one to St. Thecla, the sister of St. Erasmus. Her icon is said to be the work of Cebe. On the triumphal arch in the presbytery, the tombstone of Ivan Adam Gallenberg has been built on the inside, and the coat of arms of the Gallenbergs is on the outside. There is also a castle tomb in the church.
