Ljubljana Castle is a symbol of Ljubljana.
Its beginnings date from the 11th century, when a fort was
built on the remains of prehistoric settlements with a path
winding round the walls of the prehistoric fort.
A town developed under the castle hill
surrounded by a wall and a river. For a long time, the castle
was the
administrative
centre of the region of Carniola.
The present castle was built as a fort with an extensive
inner courtyard in the second half of the 15th century.
Within the
castle walls there is also the chapel of St George. Other
castle facilities were built in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Until 1814, the castle was in bad condition since it was
used as prison. In 1905, it was bought from the state
by the town
of Ljubljana. After the last inhabitants left the castle
in 1962-63, it was thoroughly researched and restored.
Today’s castle tower with a clock was built in 1848 after
the French pulled down the previous wooden one. The
tower was renovated
and raised in 1982 and has been the highest viewpoint
in Ljubljana ever since.
Visitor are recommended to visit the pentagonal tower
and the chapel of St George, which contains the coats
of arms
of the
past Carniolan governors and a bell dating from 1440.
The tower offers a magnificent view of the town and
the surrounding
countryside.
The castle also houses two wedding halls and a café
on the ground floor.
In summer, the castle courtyard is the venue for
many cultural events. There is also an Estates
hall with
200 seats suitable
for concerts of chamber music, congress activity
and business meetings.
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