Slovenia is a treasure trove of medieval stories and modern adventures – magnificent castles are hidden amongst historic old towns, each one recording the splendour of the past. If you listen carefully, these places will take you back hundreds of years and relive impressive medieval tales.
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Celje city – Celje Castle
- Slovene: Celjski grad/Celjski zgornji grad
- Map: Cesta na Grad 78, 3000 Celje
Located in the north-east of Slovenia, in the heart of the Sava Valley, Celje’s thriving trade activities and strategic location made it one of the most important cities in medieval Slovenia, and it is famous for the Counts of Celje, one of the most important medieval families in Europe.
The Old Castle Celje, which stands on a hill in the centre of the Old Town, was built in 1323 and is one of the largest medieval castles in Slovenia. Originally consisting of a Romanesque palace and walls, the castle was later extended several times under the rule of the Counts of Celje, adding more towers and defences.
The castle’s square tower, Frederick’s Tower, four stories high is the main fortification tower, famous for its solid structure and commanding view, as well as for the tragic love story of Frederick II, Count of Celje and Veronika.
In those days, the castle was not only a fortification, but also the residence of the Counts of Celje and a symbol of their power, where many important decisions and lavish banquets were held. Today, the castle’s museum displays a wealth of historical artefacts detailing the splendour of the Tseret family and the development of Tseret as a city. Every summer the castle hosts medieval festivals and knightly performances, attracting many visitors to experience the medieval way of life.
Ptuj city – Ptuj Castle
- Slovene: Ptujski grad
- Map: Na Gradu 1, 2250 Ptuj
Located on the banks of the Drava River in north-eastern Slovenia, Ptuj is the oldest city in the country, with the first inhabitants settling on the hill as early as 5,000 BC, during the Late Stone Age. In the 1st century BC, the Romans conquered the area where Ptuj is situated and established Petoviona as an important military outpost and trading centre. Along with the prosperity of the region, it was elevated to the status of a municipality by the Roman Emperor Traianus between the end of the 1st century and the beginning of the 2nd century AD. Today, Ptui still retains many monuments of ancient Roman history.
Ptuj Castle was built in the 11th century and its privileged position on a hill overlooking the city. During the Middle Ages, the castle was an important fortification and residence of the nobility, playing not only an important military role, but also becoming the political and cultural centre of the region. Over time, the castle has undergone many alterations, incorporating elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
Today Ptuj Castle is home to the Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum, which displays around 300 exhibits of medieval musical instruments, weapons, armour, furniture, penitential masks and glass paintings.
In addition, there is a wine cellar on the ground floor of the castle, displaying winemaking tools once used by native winemakers, and it is an ideal place to learn about Ptuj’s rich knowledge of viticulture, its long wine culture and traditional winemaking techniques.
Brežice city – Brežice Castle
- Slovene: Grad Brežice (nemško Rann)
- Map: Cesta prvih borcev 1, 8250 Brežice
Located in the south-east of Slovenia, Brežice’s history dates back to Roman times, when it became part of the Habsburg Empire in the 15th century and has since been subjected to many wars and rebuildings. Today, Brežice is an important transport hub connecting Slovenia with Croatia, combining a rich cultural heritage with modern development.
Built in the 13th century by members of the Habsburg family for the purpose of defence against foreign enemies, Brežice Castle, with its four characteristic towers, was one of the most magnificent buildings of its time. Over time, the castle developed into a residence for the nobility and an administrative centre.
The architectural style is mainly Baroque, but also incorporates Renaissance and Gothic elements. The interior of the Castle is a striking example of Baroque art, with its magnificent paintings and decorations.
By 1949, the Posavje Museum Brežice was opened in the castle, with 24 galleries covering a wide range of exhibits from prehistoric times to the modern day, showing the historical and cultural development of Brežice and the surrounding area. The baroque frescoes and religious artwork on display in the galleries are not only colourful but also richly detailed, highlighting the artistic standards of the time.
Designed as a place for aristocrats to hold banquets and balls, the Knight’s Hall is one of the grandest rooms in the castle, and its exquisite frescoes, painted between 1702 and 1703 in the Baroque style of scenes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, are priceless. To this day, the hall is also an important venue for various cultural events.
Škofja Loka – Škofja Loka Castle
- Slovene: Loški grad (Škofjeloški grad)
- Map: Grajska pot 13, 4220 Škofja Loka
Located in north-west Slovenia, Škofja Loka’s history dates back to 973 AD, when the Holy Roman Emperor Otto II gave the land to the Bishops of Freising. The name of the city ‘Škofja Loka’ means ‘Bishop’s Valley’, reflecting its religious origins.
During the Middle Ages, Škofja Loka became an important centre of trade and crafts, which developed significantly in the 14th and 15th centuries. Today Škofjaloca is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Slovenia and attracts many visitors with its rich history, cultural heritage and beautiful nature.
Škofja Loka Castle, built in 1202 as a fortification and bishop’s residence with an excellent view over the town, underwent a major reconstruction in the 16th century, adding many new defences and living spaces. Over the years, the castle’s architectural style has evolved from Gothic to a blend of Renaissance and Baroque elements.
Today, the castle houses the Loka Museum, a collection of medieval artefacts including weapons, armour, furniture and artefacts detailing the history and culture of the town and how the locals used to live and work.
Idrija city – Gewerkenegg Castle
- Slovene: Grad Gewerkenegg
- Map: Prelovčeva ulica 9, 5280 Idrija
Situated in the western mountains of Slovenia, Idrija, with its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate, is one of the world’s most important mercury mining sites: in 1490, rich deposits of mercury were discovered here; since then, Idrija has rapidly developed into Europe’s and the world’s most important centre of mercury production; throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the mercury mines of Idrija had a far-reaching impact on Europe’s economy and the Industrial Revolution. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the mercury mines in Idria had a profound impact on the European economy and the Industrial Revolution.
Gewerkenegg Castle, built in the 16th century in response to the demands of the mining industry, was the administrative centre of the Idrian mercury mines. The name ‘Gewerkenegg’ is derived from the German word for ‘miner’s town’.
The castle’s architecture is predominantly Renaissance style, with strong walls and spacious courtyards. It was designed not only for defence purposes, but also to provide a suitable office and living environment for the mining administration.
After many restorations and renovations, Givilkneg Castle is now well preserved and is home to the Idrija Municipal Museum. The collection of more than 23,000 objects ranges from mercury mines, to the history of the town, to hand-woven lace, and is designed to showcase Idrija’s long mining history and rich culture for visitors.
Kamnik city – Zaprice Castle
- Slovene: grad Zaprice
- Map: Muzejska pot 3, 1241 Kamnik
A famous city in the centre of Slovenia, Kamnik has a history stretching back to the 11th century AD. As early as the Middle Ages, it was an important centre of trade and crafts, and the city retains many medieval and Renaissance buildings that bear witness to its long history and cultural heritage.
Zaprice Castle was built in the middle of the 16th century by order of a nobleman from the Kamnik region. Its architecture is a blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles, typical of the dual function of defence and residence. The castle is surrounded by wide courtyards and fortifications, demonstrating its glorious history as a residence of the nobility.
The castle houses the Kamnik Regional Museum, which reveals the rich history and culture of the region through a wide range of exhibits spanning prehistory to the present day, including archaeological finds, historical documents, works of art and folklore.
Kamnik city – The Old Castle
- Slovene: Stari grad nad Kamnikom
- Map: Novi trg 5, 1241 Kamnik
The Old Castle, situated on high ground north of Kamnik’s city centre, was built in the 12th century and became an important military fortification and residence of the nobility due to its strategic location. Despite the fact that only the ruins of the Old Castle remain today after many wars and natural disasters, it is still an important historical landmark in Kamnik. Climbing up to the ruins of the castle and overlooking the entire city centre of Kamnik and the surrounding natural landscape, you can feel the vicissitudes of the city’s history and its former glory.
Kamnik city – Little Castle
- Slovene: Mali Grad
- Map: Parmova ulica 8, 1241 Kamnik
Little Castle, also known as Mali Grad, is located on high ground in the centre of Kamnik. It was first built in the 12th century and is one of the oldest buildings in Kamnik. According to local legends, the construction of the Little Castle is associated with ancient kings and mysterious religious ceremonies, which adds to its mystical character.
The small castle is a blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture, and despite its small size, its unique design and beautiful scenery make it one of the highlights of Kamnik. Inside the castle there is a chapel with beautiful frescoes and religious artefacts. During the summer months, the small castle also hosts various cultural events and festivals.
Kranj city – Khislstein Castle
- Slovene: Grad Kieselstein / Khislstein
- Map: Tomšičeva ulica 44, 4000 Kranj
Located in the north-west of Slovenia, Kranj is considered to be one of Slovenia’s important cultural, economic and administrative centres, with a history dating back to Roman times.
Khislstein Castle, built in the middle of the 13th century to protect the borders of the Province of Carniola, was once an important military stronghold and administrative centre for the Kranjska region, and has since undergone numerous alterations and extensions.
The castle’s architecture is a blend of medieval and Renaissance styles, with thick walls, stone towers and peaked roofs, and a spacious interior with courtyards, luxurious interiors and a historical atmosphere.
Today, it is home to the Gorenjska Museum in Upper Carniola, which houses a collection of archaeological finds, historical artefacts and works of art detailing the history of Kranj from the Middle Ages to modern times. And, the castle also hosts the Kosleisten Summer Theatre and musical evenings every summer.
Žužemberk – Žužemberk Castle
- Slovene: Grad Žužemberk
- Map: Grajski trg 33, 8360 Žužemberk, Slovenia
Žužemberk is a historic town in the south of Slovenia, whose earliest records date back to the 13th century. At that time, she was an important fortress and administrative centre, protected by the natural defensive conditions of the Drava River. Nowadays, she is known for her pleasant nature and rich historical monuments.
Žužemberk Castle, overlooking the Drava River and the surrounding valleys and fields, is said to be thousands of years old and was once an important stronghold against Ottoman expansion. The castle’s architecture is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, characterised by soaring towers, thick walls and spacious inner courtyards. During World War II, the castle was shelled by the Italian army when it was used as a fortress, but restoration work began in the 1960s to restore it.
Today, Zugzembülk Castle can be visited on guided tours and is the ideal location for medieval events, which are organised numerous times a year.
