Petrography, mineral chemistry, metamorphic evolution and geothermo-barometric estimations concerning the Pohorje metabasites and metaultrabasites are presented and discussed. Consistently with the evolution detected in the associated eclogites, and disregarding serpentinization, these rocks record a three-stage metamorphic evolution: (i) an older, dry, high-pressure/high-temperature recrystallization;(it) a later, lower-pressure/lower temperature granulitic stage;(iii) a younger, epidote-amphibolite overprint. The latter water-controlled recrystallization is believed to be Alpine, while the main part of the metamorphic history is to be considered pre-Alpine. Such chronological classification is consistent with the prevailing interpretation concerning similar rocks in the Eastern Alps, and is supported by the occurrence of foliated leucocratic veins which crosscut the metaultrabasites and the eclogites.