Amidst the distinctive winegrowing hills in the heart of the Vipava Valley lies the village of Vipavski Križ. This scenic hilltop settlement was first mentioned in the 13th century. It is believed, the village developed around the late Gothic church we see today, nestled between charming narrow streets and small houses. At the end of the 15th century, Leonhard of Gorizia, the last Meinharder Count, erected a fortress on the hill, to defend the valley against the Ottomans and Venetians.

Shortly after, in the beginning of the 16th century Vipavski Križ was granted market rights and town privileges. In the 17th century, a remarkable spiritual society began flourishing. Capuchin monks were invited to the town and settled in a monastery built for them by a noble family. Some hundred years later, the famous monk, baroque preacher and writer Janez Svetokriški lived and worked in this monastery.