Photographs of
Slovenian Castles and Manor Houses

Bled Castle

above the city of Bled, Slovenia.

Bled Castle (Slovene: Blejski grad, German: Burg Veldes) is a medieval castle built on a precipice overlooking Lake Bled. It was first mentioned in a 1011 deed of donation issued by Emperor Henry II in favour of the Bishops of Brixen. It passed to the Austrian House of Habsburg in 1278.

The oldest part of the castle is the Romanesque tower. In the Middle Ages more towers were built and the fortifications were improved. Other buildings were constructed in the Renaissance style. The buildings are arranged around two courtyards connected by a staircase. The castle also has a drawbridge over a moat.

Ljubljana Castle (Slovene: Ljubljanski Grad)

Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Ljubljana Castle is located on Castle Hill (Grajski gric) overlooking the old town of Ljubljana. The area has been settled continuously since 1200 BC. The hill probably became a Roman army stronghold after fortifications were built in Illyrian and Celtic times.

In 1335 it became property of the House of Habsburg. In the 15th century it was almost completely demolished and rebuilt with a complete wall and towers at the entrance.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the castle became an arsenal and a military hospital. It was damaged during the Napoleonic period and, once back in the Austrian Empire, became a prison, which it remained until 1905, resuming that function during World War II.

Predjama Castle, Predjama, Inner Carniola, Slovenia

It is a Renaissance castle built within a cave mouth

Predjama Castle, Predjama, Inner Carniola, Slovenia

It is a Renaissance castle built within a cave mouth