Loka Castle

Skofja Loka, Slovenia

In the 12th century on the hills above Škofja Loka stood three fortifications: the Upper Tower on Krancelj, the Lower Fort and the Loka Castle, a residence of Freising Bishops, built at the brink of a natural terrace. The castle is first mentioned in 1202 as castrum firmissimum, although today's building dates from the 16th century. The castle was rebuilt in 1691 after an earthquake and in 1716.

The castle was administered by Loka chiefs, among them Lambergs, Thurms, and Rasps. Since 1890 the castle has been managed by the Ursulines, who pulled down the Romanesque yard tower and transformed it into a school. Since 1959 it has hosted the Loka Museum.

The circular castle dominates above Škofja Loka town and presents the conclusion of the town walls. It can be dated after the earthquake in 1511, although some parts are older, which was confirmed during the renovation works in 2006–2008. The north-eastern tower, the oldest in the structure, is built on an older predecessor from the 10th century. Together with the renovation work the reconstruction of the primary entrance with a wooden drawbridge was also carried out.

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Address

Grajska pot 13, Skofja Loka, Slovenia
See all sites in Skofja Loka

Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Slovenia

More Information

www.loski-muzej.si
www.culture.si
www.slovenia.info

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

marko koplan (5 months ago)
The original castle was built by the Freisings of Škofja Loka in 1202. The castle was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake in 1511 and Bishop Filip took on its restoration. In the castle courtyard there once stood an impressive four-cornered tower, the floorplan of which has been restored. Today the castle is home to one of the best-arranged museums in Slovenia, with archeological, historical, cultural, artistic, natural science and ethnological collections. Visitors can also see the excellently-preserved 16th century farmhouse, Škopar's House (Škoparjeva hiša) in the castle garden.
Kaja Šifer (7 months ago)
A must-see when you are in Škofja Loka! Beautiful castle with impeccably kept surroundings and a beautiful view of the old town.
Greg Witt (7 months ago)
Easy walk from the center of Skofja Loka for great views and the town's local history museum.
Richard Ashcroft (7 months ago)
Loka Castle has a picturesque location and is reached by a short walk uphill from the centre. There’s a small garden with views of the castle, town and mountain backdrop. I didn’t enter the museum. A walking route heads uphill for better alpine views.
Brooklyn Expat (11 months ago)
Parts of the castle are being renovated. The museum is really interesting but not enough of the information is in English. Not good if you want tourists to drop 5€ to walk through it.
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At the entrance to Het Steen is a bas-relief of Semini, above the archway, around 2nd century. Semini is the Scandinavian God of youth and fertility (with symbolic phallus). A historical plaque near Het Steen explains that women of the town appealed to Semini when they desired children; the god was reviled by later religious clergy. Inhabitants of Antwerp previously referred to themselves as 'children of Semini'.

At the entrance bridge to the castle is a statue of a giant and two humans. It depicts the giant Lange Wapper who used to terrorise the inhabitants of the city in medieval times.

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