Brezje came to prominance in the 19th century when some miraculous healings took place at the merciful painting of Mary Help of Christians. In 1988 the church of Mary Help of Christians was elevated to the status of basilica by Pope John Paul II. In 2000 the basilica was declared Slovenia's national sanctuary.

Franciscan monks, who built a monastery next to the church, take care of the sanctuary. There is a beautiful shrine in the courtyard of the monastery, the plans for which were drawn by the architect Ivan Vurnik. Next to the basilica is a statue of Pope John Paul II, whilst in front of the basilica there is a park with a statue of the holy family, a large cross, and an open-air exhibition. Right next to the basilica in a former stable is the Nativity Museum with its rich collection of nativity scenes from all over the world.

The Path of Peace leads from Brezje towards the Peracica waterfalls, and there are also two pilgimage paths: the Rosary Bead Trail (Rožnovenska pot) and the Otoče – Brezje Pilgrimage Trail.