Kamen Castle Ruins

Begunje, Slovenia

At the entrance to the Draga Valley, by the fringes of the village of Begunje, the picturesque ruins of Kamen Castle look down from the top of a rocky ledge. This centuries-old trade-route guardian, built on a raised location, awaits you with its Romanesque tower and the imposing ruins of its Gothic and Renaissance extensions.

The castle was built in the twelfth century by the counts of Ortenburg; however, they chose not to live there, and so the castle was managed by castellans. In 1418, the castle came into the possession of the counts of Cilli, and subsequently fell into the hands of the Lambergs in 1436. The most distinguished member of the Lamberg family to come from Kamen Castle was Gašper Lambergar, a tournament knight who is sung about in the folk poem Pegam and Lambergar.

The counts of Lamberg abandoned the castle in the middle of the eighteenth century and moved to the more comfortable Katzenstein Mansion in Begunje.

The castle's location at the entrance to the Draga Valley, its preserved Romanesque tower — which can be climbed all the way to the top — the remnants of its Gothic and Renaissance keeps, and the trail that leads you through the castle area all guarantee a memorable visit. A visit to the castle is free of charge and at your own risk.

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Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Slovenia

More Information

www.radolca.si

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Eva O (2 years ago)
A lovely wreck that is slowly being rebuilt.
Martin Mazi (2 years ago)
Great castle. You can really tell that it was a great monument in its golden days. I hope it will receive a proper caretaking and promotion in the near future. It really deserves better.
H W (2 years ago)
ancient castle without renovation. normal, not recommend for tourist
Easa 127 (2 years ago)
Nice place to have a picnic.
Maky Makus (2 years ago)
Stunning ruins of the castle. Wonderful location. Not many visitors, no entrance fee. You can't wish for more.
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