the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Maribor. It was first mentioned in written documents from 1235. Next to it stands a Gothic chapel dedicated to the Holy Spirit with frescos dating to the mid-15th century. In 1994, an archaeological excavation uncovered the remains of what is believed to be the oldest church in Styria, dating to the Carolingian period (second half of the 9th century). The Slovenj Gradec Art Gallery () was founded in 1957 and is located on the first floor of the old town hall in the town centre. The gallery hosted international fine art exhibitions under the sponsorship of the United Nations in 1966, 1975, 1979, 1985, and 1991. The 1997 exhibition "The Artist and Urban Environment" displayed art activity in Peace Messenger Cities from all over the world. In 2012, Slovenj Gradec and Ptuj were partners with Maribor, the European Capital of Culture. As a result, the gallery presented further exhibitions that attracted Europe-wide attention. Notable residents Notable people that were born or lived in Slovenj Gradec include: Roman Bezjak (born 1989), footballer Katarina Čas (born 1976), actress Sašo Fornezzi (born 1982), footballer Ivan Gams (sl) (1923–2014), geographer Janja Garnbret (born 1999), rock climber Ana Gros (born 1991), handball player David Kiselak (born 1988), footballer Lado Kralj (1938–2022), writer, theatre critic, and literary historian Tina Maze (born 1983), skier, Olympic champion Boštjan Nachbar (born 1980), basketball player Vinko Ošlak (born 1947), author Karel Pečko (1920–2016), artist Iztok Puc (1966–2011), handball player Renata Salecl (born 1962), philosopher Adi Smolar (born 1959), singer-songwriter Katarina Srebotnik (born 1981), tennis player Ilka Štuhec (born 1990), alpine ski racer Marko Šuler (born 1983), football player Nikola Tolimir (born 1989), footballer Tadej Trdina (born 1988), footballer Hugo Wolf (1860–1903), composer. The house in which he was born is now a museum. International relations Twin towns — Sister cities Slovenj Gradec is twinned with: Charter of cultural cooperation was signed with Bardejov, Slovakia. International Association of Peace Messenger Cities Since 1989, Slovenj Gradec was one of the most active and progressive cities within The International Association of Peace Messenger Cities, being a member of its executive board since 1997 and secretary-general of this organization in periods 2007–2010, 2010–2013, 2013–2016, and 2016–2019. References External links Official website (Slovenian) Town Heraldry Slovenj Gradec at Geopedia Koroška galerija likovne umetnosti Populated places in the City Municipality of Slovenj Gradec Windisch-Graetz Cities and towns in Styria (Slovenia)