The Church of St. James in Ponikva

The Church of St. James in Ponikve was first mentioned in 1712. It was most likely built in the second half of the 17th century, as evidenced by its architectural features and the year 1684 inscribed on a window jamb of the bell tower. In the 18th century, a porch was added on the western side, and a northern annex, possibly a chapel, which no longer exists. At the beginning of the 20th century, the structure was reinforced with steel ties due to damage. In 1903, the main altar, originally crafted in 1676, was restored but is currently disassembled.

The building consists of a rectangular nave with a barrel vault, a polygonal vaulted chancel, a bell tower attached to the western wall of the nave, and a porch on the western side. The porch is particularly picturesque, characterized by sturdy Tuscan columns, and features a 17th-century tombstone embedded in the western wall. The church’s exterior is primarily defined by its window openings, some of which retain their original stone frames. The main stone portal has also been preserved.

The primary artistic and thematic focus is on the altars. The main altar, part of the so-called “golden altars” group, was likely created in 1676, while the side altars, dedicated to St. Roch and St. Florian, are slightly younger.