- Address: Študentovska ulica 24, 5280 Idrija, Slovenia;
- Working hours: every day from 09:00 to 18:00;
- Website: muzej-idrija-cerkno.si;
- Phone: +386 5 372 66 00.
Tourists, who are interested in the medieval architecture of Slovenia , it is necessary to visit the castle Gevergenegg, located in Idrija . It strikes with its external appearance and interior decoration. Visiting it, you can get an idea of the history and architecture of this country.
History of the erection of the castle
Geveckenegg Castle was built in the first half of the 16th century to accommodate the administrative center of the mine, since mercury mining was the main occupation for the inhabitants of Idrija. The castle was used in this capacity for about four centuries. In German it means "my castle".
The decoration of the castle underwent significant changes in the middle of the 18th century. The new decoration was chosen in accordance with the canons of the Renaissance, the flowering of which in Slovenia came later than in other European countries. The decoration of the halls struck sophistication and beauty. The greatest impression was created by frescoes, the authors of which were talented masters.
Of all castles in Slovenia, Geveckenegg is the only one that has survived in such good condition. Currently, it is one of the main attractions of the country, which is visited by thousands of tourists every year.
What is the most attractive place?
Geveckenegg Castle is used as a museum, which stores exhibits for mercury mining, handmade laces, and peasant frescos. Here is a collection of paintings, donated by Valentin Orsini Matz, a representative of the ancient feudal family.
Part of the castle was rebuilt, and now it is a hotel in which anyone can stop. If you visit the landmark in the summer, you will be able to visit thematic evenings, concerts and other interesting events.
The museum is especially interesting for those who are fond of geology. The exhibition has an extensive collection of minerals, which are sorted by epoch. In addition, the museum has many items related to the history of the city itself, from foundation to modernity.
Fans of architecture will continue to explore the building with all the beautiful details. Here you can walk along the bridge, thrown across the moat. No less pleasure can be obtained from a walk through the inner courtyard of the castle. If you want, you can visit the mercury mine or visit the lace festival.
The exhibition of lace is placed in three rooms, each of which is devoted to a certain theme. Visitors will be able to see the lace from the reel, learn how the trade in this commodity developed. In the museum is stored a chest with historical treasures, for example, with a lace tablecloth of Jovanka, which was presented to the wife of the President of Yugoslavia in the 1970s.
The Geveckenegg Castle is open every day from 9am to 6pm. The ticket costs approximately 5 €.
How to get there?
To reach the castle Geveckenegg simply, given that Idrija is located close to the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana , you can take a bus. The building is located in the central part of the city, and any local resident will point to the road to it.