The Church in Črni Potok (Schwarzenbach) – a precious monument in need of our help

The church in Črni Potok is one of the few churches in the Kočevje (Gottschee) region that survived the Second World War and the devastation that followed. Its origins reach back to the early 16th century, making it one of the oldest sacred buildings in the area. Inside, it preserves a remarkable treasure: a fresco of the Three Wise Men accompanied by a Gottscheer man, thirsty as he drinks from a small barrel known as putscherle. This small yet exceptional detail offers visitors a glimpse into everyday life in the Kočevje region centuries ago.

Today, the church is unfortunately in very poor condition. Ground subsidence and earthquake damage have left deep cracks in the structure, threatening both the building itself and its precious frescoes. Without intervention, we risk losing an important part of our historical and cultural heritage.

Since 2023, the Putscherle Institute has been working to protect and restore this cultural monument. An important step forward was made in early 2025, when the Municipality of Kočevje allocated initial funds for professional analyses. These will precisely determine the required restoration measures – yet it is already clear that the renovation will be extensive and financially demanding.

The church in Črni Potok is not merely an architectural remnant. It is a bearer of local identity, a silent storyteller of regional history, and a symbol of cultural coexistence in Kočevsko. Preserving such places means preserving collective memory – and also creates opportunities for the development of cultural tourism in the region.

How can you help?

Restoring the church is a collective effort that we cannot accomplish on our own. Every contribution, large or small, brings us closer to preserving the church for future generations.

1. Financial support

Our greatest current need is to secure additional funds for further analyses and for the restoration itself. These funds will enable:

• the preparation of detailed plans for the required restoration work,

• the stabilisation of the foundations and structural elements,

• the repair of the interior and the prevention of further deterioration.

Your contribution directly affects whether the restoration can begin in time. Slovenian residents can also support the effort of the Putscherle Institute by donating 0.1% of your income tax.

2. Support from construction and other companies

Once the restoration assessment is completed, we will also need professional and material assistance:

• donations of construction materials,

• the execution of individual construction and restoration works,

• technical or logistical support.

Collaboration with construction companies is essential for reducing costs and ensuring high-quality restoration.

3. Spreading the word

You can also help greatly by sharing information about the project. The more people learn about the church’s condition, the greater the chances of gathering the necessary funds.

Together, we can bring new life to the church in Črni Potok

The church in Črni Potok is a cultural monument that until recently withstood the effects of time, war, and decay. With joint efforts, we can ensure that its story does not fall silent, but continues as part of our shared heritage.

If you would like to contribute or participate in the restoration, we warmly invite you to contact us. We appreciate every form of support.

A video about the church in the TV programme Na Lepše

In the Slovene TV programme Na Lepše, you can watch a report outlining the issues surrounding the church in Črni Potok. The segment appears in the final part of the episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5Dxz0yYz6g