Given that the Church of Sv. Rok (St Roch) did not have such typical architectural features as a transept, it surely did not receive as much attention as it does today. More often than not, the construction of a church is connected with some legend, as is the Church of Sv. Rok, which is considered to be one of Slovenia’s best architectural monuments, and in this sense it is no exception. The legend, which is inscribed above the doors leading to the vestry, tells the story: "In the year 1645, the plague was raging in Ptuj, from where it was passed on to Šmarje by two locals. After a short time, more than two hundred people were killed and in order to get God to rid them of this affliction, they built a chapel on high ground above Šmarje. God, with the intercession of Mary the Mother of Christ, St Roch and St Sebastian, who heard the repenters' plea for help and their many prayers, instantly rid them of the plague." The legend continues by telling how the religious believers brought so many gifts that in place of the insignificant chapel they built a majestic church and dedicated it to St Roch as the patron against the plague.
Just by examining the exterior, an expert eye can place the church in the 17th century, as its simple shapes and design all point to that particular time. The simplicity of the building can also be seen in the floor plan, from which it is possible to discern the three main areas: the vestry, the slightly wider nave and the bell tower. The dramatic difference between interior and exterior is rarely as noticeable as at Sv. Rok. Due to the exceptional acoustics, every year many concerts take place in this church, as well as the traditional pilgrimages. On the holiday of the parish patron Mary of the Assumption, on 15 August, and the name day of St Roch a day later, thousands of people gather here. Visitors can also take a look around the Šmarje calvary and the church of Sv. Rok accompanied by a local tourist guide. The tours can be arranged at the Tourist Information Centre.