Žužemberk Castle

Žužemberk Castle stands on a rocky spur above the Krka River in Suha Krajina, a hilly district in southeastern Slovenia that takes its name from the dry limestone ground between the Krka valley and the plateau. The town of Žužemberk lies below it, and the castle is the first thing you see when you approach along the river. Its German name, Seisenberg, recalls the centuries when the area belonged to the noble families of the Austrian Habsburg lands.

The castle has a long history, and it grew in several phases from the Middle Ages. Most of what survives today is the product of rebuilding between the fifteenth and the seventeenth centuries, when the owners reshaped it into a residence with a strong defensive character, towers and thick walls. For a long period it belonged to the Auersperg family, the powerful nobles of Lower Carniola, who held many estates in the region. Like many castles it suffered in the twentieth century, and parts were damaged in the Second World War and rebuilt in the years afterwards. Restoration continues in some areas, so the building is a mixture of medieval masonry and modern repair.

Today the castle is used for community life. Its vaulted rooms and courtyards host concerts, exhibitions, festivals and weddings, and part of the building is arranged for visitors. Because it is used for events as well as visits, the opening arrangements vary through the year, and it is wise to ask at the tourist information office in town or check with the castle before setting out. Guided visits can be organised for groups.

The setting is one of the best features. From the castle terraces you look down at the green Krka, which flows through a narrow valley with wooded slopes, and across to the hills of Suha Krajina. The river is well known for fishing, canoeing and swimming in the quiet season, and there are walking and cycling routes along its banks. In the town there is a small centre with cafes, and the old Roman road that crosses the district is among the area's other points of interest.

Žužemberk Castle suits history lovers, families, photographers and anyone exploring the Krka valley between Novo mesto and Ljubljana. Allow an hour or two for the castle and the town, and combine it with a river walk or a drive along the valley. Comfortable shoes are useful for the steps and uneven stone, and good weather makes the views much better.