Ljubljana Castle
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Ljubljana Castle is a medieval castle complex overlooking Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Located on Castle Hill, the dominant feature of the city skyline, it dates from the 11th century, although archaeologists believe the site was settled as far back as 1200 BC.
[edit] Design and construction
The original castle was believed to have been a wooden and stone fortification used for defensive purposes. In the 13th century, this was replaced with a stone fort and renamed Sponheim Castle.
In the 15th century, the castle structures were almost completely demolished and rebuilt. A new wall and towers were constructed at the entrance, along with a drawbridge. The chapel was also built at this time.
All the main buildings of the surviving castle were built or rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries after a devastating earthquake. The exception is the outer wall of the Chapel of St. George.
Expanding on its role as a defensive structure against Ottoman invasion as well as peasant revolt, the castle was used as an arsenal.
From 1815 to 1895, during which time Slovenia was part of the Austrian Empire, the castle was used as a prison; a role it resumed temporarily during the Second World War. The viewing tower was constructed in 1848, replacing the wooden tower, and completing the architectural structure of the castle.
[edit] Renovation
Towards the end of the 19th century, the castle began to fall into serious disrepair. This was, in part, because of its age, but also because maintenance work had been neglected over the years as it gradually lost its importance as either a home of a nobleman or a fortification.
In the 1930s, the famous Slovenian architect Joe Plenik proposed building a new conical parliament to replace the castle. However, his work was only realised in relation to the redesigned remains of the fortifications.
In the late-1960s, extensive renovation works began which were to last more than 35 years. Architects oversaw the construction of a new and steeper roof, a higher watchtower, new access routes, and a defensive corridor around the perimeter of the former fortified walls, which linked the renovated structures together.
In the 1990s, the castle found a new use as a place for weddings and cultural events. In 2006, as the castle grew in popularity, it was connected with the historic city centre by a funicular railway.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
Find an IHBC HESPR accredited professional using our map-based search
Find the office locations of HESPR members – IHBC’s Historic Environment Service Provider Recognition (HESPR) scheme – using our map-based facility.
The Liverpool Grade II ‘jewel’ that lies empty, derelict and vandalised
Liverpool landmark the Everton Library, a Grade II (GII) listed building that has been the focus of calls to restore it to its former glory continues to lie leaking, vandalised and derelict, when £5m could renovate the building, reports The Liverpool Echo.
Flintshire: Shotton steelworks’ John Summers building to be restored
A landmark on a list of the UK’s most endangered buildings, Shotton steelworks’ Grade II-listed general office and clock tower, is to be brought back to life in Flintshire.
Rochdale Market, Manchester, to close as trader numbers and revenue continue to fall
Rochdale Borough Council writes: Over the past year the number of traders regularly attending the market has halved and it is not financially viable.
IHBC supports Climate Heritage Network Global Launch: Edinburgh 24-25 Oct
The Climate Heritage Network (CHN) Global Launch is a two-day program devoted to urgently mobilizing the cultural heritage sector for climate action across the globe.
Brunel’s ‘other bridge’ in Bristol to be ‘saved with £62k grant
A swing bridge that was designed by Brunel is to be ‘saved’ with a £62,000 grant from Historic England.
Victorian Society announce Top 10 Most Endangered Buildings 2019
On September 13th the Victorian Society announced its Top 10 Endangered buildings list.
American Cities Then & Now: See How New York, Los Angeles & Detroit Look
An Open Culture article takes a look at the American Cities of New York, Los Angeles and Detroit comparing how they look now compared to the 1930s and 1940s.
Great Yarmouth’s Venetian Waterways to recapture former glories
Great Yarmouth’s 91 year old Venetian Waterways has been re-opened to the public following a £2.7 million regeneration project.
Fire engulfs Grade II-listed Horncliffe Mansion
BBC news has reported on how the Grade II-listed mansion, Horncliffe Mansion in Rawtenstall has been ‘completely gutted’ after a fire tore through the derelict building.