Bled Castle

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Blejski grad

The Bled Castle (Slovenian: Blejski grad) is a castle built on top of a 130 meter cliff overlooking lake Bled, located in Bled, Slovenia. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Slovenia, second only to the Postojna Cave.

1 History and objects
2 Present day
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] History and objects

The castle was first mentioned in 1004, which makes it one of the oldest in Slovenia. The oldest part of the castle is the romanesque tower. In the Middle Ages more towers were built and the fortifications were improved. Other buildings were additionlly constructed in the Baroque period. The buildings are arranged around two courtyards, which are connected with a staircase. There is a chapel on the upper courtyard, which was built in the 16th century, and renovated around 1700, when it was also painted with illusionist frescoes. The castle also has a drawbridge over a moat.

Upper courtyard with residence and the Gothic castle chapel.

Lower courtyard with castle outbuildings

Castle entrance

[edit] Present day

Today, Bled castle is arranged as an exhibition area. The display rooms present the ancient history of Bled from the first excavations, and the castle in individual stages of its historical development. Tourists can also visit the castle cellar, printing works, a herbal gallery, a restaurant and a souvenir shop. The castle offers a great view of Lake Bled and the wider area of Upper Carniola and the Julian Alps.