Little Castle, Kamnik, Slovenia

Little Castle (Mali grad) in Kamnik was constructed in the 11th or early 12th century at the strategic site above the narrow passage near an important trail. The Romanesque chapel of St. Eligius is one of the most important Slovene medieval monuments, despite later alterations, and is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. The chapel features a wooden ceiling and exquisite fresco paintings.

Archaeological evidence indicates a cultic centre here in pre-Antiquity. The castle was first mentioned in 1202, but is of older origin. At the end of the 13th century, the castle burned; the northeast part was demolished and never rebuilt. The remainder of the castle was torn down in the 16th century after the earthquake of 1511, leaving only the three-storey Romanesque chapel built between the 11th and 15th centuries. One can still see the remnants of defensive walls and the recently restored defensive tower.

The first chapel of St. Margaret with a crypt, the presbytery of today's lower chapel, was built around 1100. When the nave was added, the Romanesque portal with a lunette was displaced. In the 13th century the chapel's second floor was built, dedicated to Bartholomew the Apostle, with a Gothic vault build after 1470. The lower chapel was than dedicated to St. Eligius, decorated again after 1771 with frescos by Janez Potočnik. The entire chapel was rebuilt in Baroque style around 1700. Inside there are also remnants of Gothic and Baroque frescos.

References:

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User Reviews

Daniel Raska (10 months ago)
Nice view to Kamnik and mountains around

Paul Heller (2 years ago)
Walking up here offers great views of Kamnik and the Alps. There are some old fortifications to be seen, but nothing too great. It's mainly for the view. Path located right from road and well marked. Just a few stairs.

John C Cerar (2 years ago)
Interior chapels worth the visit. Views were incredible

sam satp (2 years ago)
A must when visiting Kamnik. The view is gorgeous and not crowded at all.

David Smith (2 years ago)
Virtually in the town centre, this fortification includes a castle tower and a chapel. It only takes a couple of minutes to climb up and admire the views. I went in December when the chapel was closed, but other reviewers mention frescoes inside and a €3 entrance fee.

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