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.

References:

culture.si

User Reviews

marko koplan (6 years 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 (6 years 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 (6 years ago)
Easy walk from the center of Skofja Loka for great views and the town's local history museum.

Richard Ashcroft (6 years 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 (7 years 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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Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Loka Castle

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