Velenje Castle
| Velenje Castle Velenjski grad |
|
|---|---|
| Velenje, Slovenia | |
Velenje Castle
|
|
 Velenje Castle
Velenjski grad |
|
| Coordinates | 46°21′29″N 15°06′29″E / 46.358°N 15.108°E |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Government |
| Controlled by | Government |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Good |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1270 AD |
| Built by | Kunšperk family |
| Materials | Limestone |
| Events | Cultural and music festivals |
Velenje Castle (Slovene: Velenjski grad) is a well-preserved castle in Velenje, Slovenia that was owned by the Kunšperk family, followed by their relatives the Ptujs and the Liechtenstein families. The castle houses a museum of art and culture.
The castle, above its town Velenje, is in the Šalek Valley (Slovene: Šaleška dolina), located on the top of a hill to the west of the town. Over the centuries this castle, along with two others in its vicinity, Šalek and Ekenštajn, has played a key role in controlling the routes from the Celje Basin to Carinthia. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the valley where the castle is located was the settlement of prehistoric man. Since medieval times, Velenje Castle in the Šalek Valley was also known as the "Valley of Castles" for the over twenty castles built in this valley.
Approach to the castle is from a foot track from the bus station in the town, and also by road from the old town.
The castle was a strategically important fortress first mentioned in 1270; from it various owners controlled the routes from the Celje Basin to Carinthia. From the 14th century, the castle's ownership has gone through several noblemen. The castle seen in the present shape was fully refurbished in the early 16th century by the Wagen von Wagensberg family and also in subsequent centuries. Following the complete renovation, the castle became their Renaissance residence. In the 19th century, Karl and Bianca Adamovich owned the castle. It was the summer residence of Count Coronnini-Kromberg until 1943 when he was evicted by the Germans. Subsequent to World War II, it became a government property. The castle was again renovated after 1957 and it now also houses a museum.
The castle has been built conforming to the topography of the land, on a rounded hill. It has a five-pronged exterior wall forming a large courtyard, which has a well and also a large flowerbed combined with an elegant arcade. A defense tower, a triangular shaped fortification, is built as part of the wall on the northeastern side of the courtyard. The residential buildings are located on the southeast corner; these are provided with basement cellars.
...
Wikipedia