Kieselstein Castle, Kranj, Slovenia

Kieselstein Castle is a 13th-century castle in the city of Kranj. The castle stands at what was once a defensible point, guarding the city pier and crossing over the river Sava, and was predated on the site by a round 11th-century keep. The current structure was built in 1256 by the counts of Ortenburg, by an arrangement with the lord of Kranj, duke Ulrik III Spanheim. Until 1420, the tower was managed by their ministeriales or vassals, the knights von Chreinburch; in that year, it passed to count Herman of Celje. During the period of Turkish incursions, the tower was incorporated into the city walls. After the extinction of the Counts of Celje in 1456, it was inherited by the Habsburgs, who sold it in the mid 16th century to baron Janž Khiessl. Khiessl successfully petitioned emperor Ferdinand I for the right to rename the castle after himself, and also expanded the tower into an L-shaped castle, giving it its present appearance.

The Khiessls soon sold the castle to Franz the noble Moscon; later owners included the Ravbar, Apfaltrer, Auersperg and finally Natalis Pagliaruzzi noble families. In 1913 the castle was purchased by the state. Between the world wars, it housed government offices; after World War II it was (somewhat redundantly) nationalized. In 1952, the building was renovated according to plans drawn up by the architect Jože Plečnik.

Today the renovated building houses the Kranj Municipal Agency for the Protection of Natural and Cultural Heritage, as well as the Upper Carniola Museum.

References:

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User Reviews

Banana Quantum (4 months ago)
Not open when we visited. But a well maintained castle.

Sam Hack (16 months ago)
Great museum, walks you through the history of Slovenia and Kranj. Detailed and very interesting!

Mirela Koštić Djokič (22 months ago)
Nice place to relax away from the hussle of the main street, children friendly, big lawn to play and relax on, summer open air cinema, intimate wedding venue... But the courtyard could be cleaned more often, specially the part with the small amfiteater.

Dino Gojo (2 years ago)
Unique castle in the town of Kranj. Open air concert arena and nice bar at the beautiful garden. Additionally Museum of Gorenjska region!

Yeremie Pierre Noir (3 years ago)
Attractive place for all kind of events ❤ it

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