Closer to the market-town centre lies Mary’s Spring. This natural spring is located in the forest below the hamlet of Gaberca and above the Slepnica stream, and is notable for keeping the same water temperature all year round. In winter the water does not freeze, and in summer it does not dry up. There are no written sources about the spring, but local people tell stories about it.
One of these tales tells how the spring got its name: “It was a harsh winter, long, long ago, when Mary was walking through our lands. She wanted to wash nappies, but there was no water nearby. Suddenly water flowed out from under a rock, just warm enough that Mary’s hands did not get cold. They say the water is blessed. The spring was named Mary’s Spring after the Mary of the story.” An imprint of her foot is also said to be visible at the spring.
According to the locals, the water of the spring is healing and has curative powers. In the past, people would come to soak their aching feet and hands in it to relieve the pain. On summer days, children would fetch the water and carry it to the women working in the fields.
Beside Mary’s Spring there is a bench where you can sit, relax and listen to the sounds of nature.
