In the 12th century there were three fortifications on the hills above Škofja Loka: the Upper Tower on Krancelj; the Lower Fort (nider vest); and the “Loka Castle”, a residence of Freising Bishops, built at the brink of a natural terrace. The castle is first mentioned in 1202 as castrum firmissimum, although today’s building dates from the 16th century. The castle was rebuilt in 1691 after an earthquake and renovated again in 1716.
The Castle Dominates above Škofja Loka
The castle was administered by Loka chiefs, among them Lambergs, Thurms, and Rasps. Since 1890 the castle has been managed by the Ursulines, who pulled down the Romanesque yard tower and transformed it into a school. Since 1959 it has hosted the Loka Museum.
The circular castle dominates above Škofja Loka and presents the conclusion of the town walls. It can be dated after the earthquake in 1511, although some parts are older, which was confirmed during the renovation works in 2006–2008.
The north-eastern tower, the oldest in the structure, is built on an older predecessor from the 10th century. Together with the renovation work the reconstruction of the primary entrance with a wooden drawbridge was also carried out.
Today the castle is home to one of the best arranged museums in Slovenia, with archeological, historical, cultural, artistic, natural science and ethnological collections.
