When I was starting out in photography, St Ana Church was the location where I captured my first amazing landscape photos. Back then, it was a popular spot among local photographers and considered one of the must-visit locations for landscape photography.
Today, it has been somewhat overshadowed by more famous hilltop churches, such as St. Thomas Church near Škofja Loka.
This spring, I returned to the cerkev Svete Ane for a sunrise session with my long telephoto lens and drone. It turned out to be an incredible morning—mist was rolling across the Ljubljana Marshes, and the beautiful morning light illuminated the landscape, creating a true playground for photography.
Check out my vlog from that morning and the images below!
Photos of St Ana Church and Ljubljana Marshes
Photography and Travel Tips
Unlike many other hilltop churches in Slovenia, St. Ana Hill is all about photographing the surrounding landscape and distant churches. A telephoto lens is by far the most useful here—a 70–200mm or 100–400mm lens are both great choices. Wide-angle lenses are less practical, as you’re elevated well above the landscape and the other churches are quite far away. A sturdy tripod is highly recommended, especially on windy days.
The best time to visit is in spring or early summer. During this season, the sun rises at the optimal angle, and mists often form around the Ljubljanica River and the Ljubljana Marshes. A reliable formula for misty conditions is rain the previous day followed by a clear night with good visibility. Unsurprisingly, sunrise is the ideal time to photograph this location.
Flying a drone here is also very rewarding. It’s a great opportunity to capture St. Ana Church itself and a few of the surrounding churches. Being on top of a hill offers clear visibility, unobstructed signal, and easy orientation for your drone paths.
From Ljubljana, it’s about a 25–30 minute drive. There’s a spacious parking area at the trailhead, followed by a relaxing 15-minute walk through the forest to reach the church.
St Ana Church – Conclusion
It was absolutely worth revisiting this scenic location! The morning conditions were perfect for photography, and soaking in the peace and quiet while admiring the views made for an unforgettable — and much-needed — experience.
What do you think? Is St. Ana Church still worth a visit for photography, or would you rather head to one of Slovenia’s more popular hilltop churches?
If this kind of scene inspires you, consider joining me on one of my photography workshops in Slovenia or the Balkans — and experience moments like this through your own lens!
