Zovnek Castle, Braslovče, Slovenia

Žovnek Castle lies above Lake Žovnek. The Lords of Žovnek, later Counts of Celje, were named after the castle. The castle was first mentioned in 1278 as Castrum Sevnekke, and later as Sannegg. Its history goes back to at least the 12th century. The Žovnek noble family used to live there at the end of 12th century, but their descendants moved to Celje (Cilli) in 1333 and went to aquire title and estates, becoming the Counts of Cilli.

Since 1995, the castle has been restored by a group of volunteers within the framework of the Cultural and Historical Society in cooperation with the Municipality of Braslovče, and many of its covered rooms have been used in all their glory. From the castle, which is reached by a footpath and offers a pleasant walk, there are views of Lake Žovne, the northern peaks of the Posavje hills, the wooded slopes of the Dobrovelj plateau and even Celje.

User Reviews

Mojmír Račák (5 months ago)
Incredibly cute and sympathetic place. The castle is from the early 12th century, renovated in the last 30 years. It has free parking and there is an easy 10 minute walk to it. The entrance is voluntary.

Mike P (6 months ago)
An interesting diversion away from the main tourist stuff. It's about 15 minute walk up a steepish wooded road from the car park which is reached by a lovely drive through the countryside. It's a ruin but undergoing tasteful restoration by volunteers. Fantastic views and many benches for picnics etc however there is very little shade.

Benjamin Sturzenegger (6 months ago)
Nice castle ruin. Seems like they are renovating it bit by bit. Lovely sights from the top. No entrance fee.

sara skorjanc (11 months ago)
I have never heard of it before, and I drove a road with a sign to it so many times before that day when I truly saw it, and spontaneously turned the sign. After a while driving and no sign… oh there was one and again nothing. Just when I was above to turn there it comes, so huge! My heart started pumping and I wanted to come as near as possible with my car since it was already late. So I parked under the castle by a wooden closed house/bar? And went up the grass way…the quickest way. Well, coming nearer to the castle I realize how optimistic of me, to believe, a Castle was made so, that I can acess it from underneath….?however , no turning around now. And guess what, I could enter directly on the princess balcony. I found that fact out later on, because everything was closed and I meet only one tourist who wasn’t brave enough to greet. But I was totally in the mood of spirits, royalty and creating my dream-life and on top of that, they have a wish/hit stone-which was just perfect to send my wishes to the universe. Later on I found out, the castle was found by local hikers and with help of donations they renovated it to the point it looks today. Heads up for everyone involved in these important cultural impact for the honor of history on our Land. The castle has a view above a lake. I am looking forward to go there again?

Marko Ličina (2 years ago)
Have been at least 10 years since my last visit here,the castle has been greatly restored to its primal form.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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