Autumn in Bogensperk Castle is simply wonderfull!

In the center of Slovenia, located in the municipality of Šmartno pri Litiji, there is one of the most important cultural monuments of the country – Bogenšperk Castle.

This 16th century Renaissance castle is not only an architectural gem, but was also home to the 17th century scientist and historian, Johann Weikhard von Valvasor, Fellow of the Royal Society of London.

Bogenšperk Castle, Photo: Iztok Medja, EKVisuals archive, www.slovenia.info

Bogenšperk Castle, which rises on a low hill at an altitude of 412 meters above sea level, enchants with its three-story building consisting of four tracts from different time periods. These tracts connect the four towers and surround the arcaded inner courtyard, creating an image of architectural harmony.

The oldest part of the castle is the northern tower, which originally stood as an independent fortress. Later, a wooden bridge was added, connecting it to the southeast tower, which originally served a defensive purpose and was much taller than the rest of the building. However, after a fire caused by lightning in 1759 severely damaged the castle, the tower was never restored to its original level.

One of its attractions is a deep well cut directly into the rock.

Bogenšperk Castle, Photo: Iztok Medja, EKVisuals archive, www.slovenia.info

Today, the restored premises of the castle function as a museum, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Slovenian history and culture. Exhibitions and collections include reconstructions of Valvasor’s studio and printing press, the Superstition and Witchcraft Collection, the Traditional Folk Costume Collection, the Geological Collection of Blaž Zarnik… The first floor of the castle also contains a wedding hall and a restaurant.

The Bogenšperk festival takes place from May to September and further enriches the offer of the castle.

Bogenšperk Castle is open to visitors, so I suggest you visit it. Opening hours on weekends are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets for adults are 6 euros, for children and students 4.50 euros, and for pensioners 5 euros.