Dolenjske Toplice / Toplica / Toplice / Töplitz

Baptismal font or rectangular shape provided with double basins, a type reported in France in the 16th century but uncommon in the rest of Europe until much later; it bears the inscription "1648 MK", the initials corresponding to Matija Kastelic, pastor architect and writer [cf. infra]. The font, actually a basin without base, is roughly rectangular, the upper half is polished to a smooth shine, the lower half is left rough. The inscription is carved and gilded; the pair of basins appear to be round and of the same size, one probably supplied with a drain; the font is wall-mounted in the northeast corner of the nave. A double metal cover of metal is on top [NB: the basins may have a metal lining that wroks together with the cover]. A communication to BSI from Pol Herman (e-mail of 15 September 2022) notes: "The parish of Toplice initially belonged to the pro-parish of Novo mesto - Šmihel. In 1481 it became a vicarage, and in 1770 a parish. The parish church is mentioned for the first time in a document in l. 1334. At first it was called the Church of the Mother of God in Toplice pri Rožek, but later it was consecrated to St. Ann. Today's building carries in its foundation the remains of its predecessor, a medieval church from the end of the 15th century. This is particularly noticeable in the presbytery, which has a characteristic floor plan with built-in Gothic windows, and its remnant is also the Gothic portal in the choir. This medieval Gothic church was surrounded by walls during the Turkish threat. One tower with firing lines and a part of the defensive wall on the south side of the church have been preserved. The current church was built thoroughly remodeled in 1656. In all probability, the plan for it was made by the then pastor Matija Kastelic, who was also an architect and a well-known devotional writer. The inscription on the baptismal stone of 1648 MK, which is the oldest preserved part of the church equipment, reminds of him. The author of the main altar is unknown, but it was created in the second half of the 18th century, in 1786. It is a fine example of the late, already subdued Baroque. The main part of the altar is filled by the throne, a niche with a gilded frame, in which there is a statue of St. Anne. Next to it are statues of St. Joachim, Peter, Joseph and Paul. Above the rather distinct and interrupted altar area in the attic, under the canopy, there is a very rich and varied group of the Coronation of Mary. The church also has beautiful stained glass windows, the work of Ivan Pengov."