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Behold the beautiful Rožnik, behold the bonfire - the queen of the temple
beckons us!« exclaims one of the many early-20th century postcards of Rožnik,
inviting people to visit its Baroque pilgrimage church. Rebuilt in 1740
according to plans by the Trieste master Candido Zulliani (1712-1769), one of
the most eminent Carniolan architects of his era, Rožnik«s Church of the
Visitation underwent numerous renovations. Its Neoclassicist facade was the
result of its 1814 restoration, carried out due to its being damaged by
artillery fire during an earlier French siege of the town. Once a place of
pilgrimage, the summit of the Rožnik Hill still retains its charm and remains a
popular excursion destination due to its caf. and inn, as well as because of the
proximity of the city Zoo. Today visited by hikers and pleasure-seekers, this
quiet retreat lies only a mile-and-a-half from the busy city centre. On the eve
of each May Day holiday, a large bonfire is lit in front of the church, and
throughout that night the whole hilltop becomes the scene of much frivolity and
partying.
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