Grad Kamen

virtual excursion

Kamen Castle is located in Gorenjska, approximately 2 kilometers northeast of the settlement of Begunje na Gorenjskem. The location was key for controlling the Draga Valley, which connected important transport routes between the Alps and the plains of Slovenia.

Kamen Castle was built in the 12th century, and is first mentioned in 1145 as the property of the Ortenburgs. In 1418, it passed into the ownership of the Counts of Celje, who were considered one of the most influential noble families of the time. After the death of Ulrik II of Celje in 1456, the castle became the property of the Habsburgs, who granted it as a fief to various noble families, including the Lambergars.

The castle was originally built in the Romanesque style, as evidenced by its massive walls and towers. In the 15th century, it was remodeled in the Gothic style, adding a more extensive palace and defense system. In 1511, it was severely damaged by an earthquake, but was soon rebuilt. The castle then acquired Renaissance elements, which were characteristic of the later phases of its architecture.
An important historical period for Kamen Castle was the 16th century, when it was reinforced with additional defensive elements due to the Turkish threat. In 1511, the castle was hit by a strong earthquake, which caused significant damage, but it was rebuilt in the same century. By the 18th century, the Lambergs gradually abandoned the castle, which was abandoned and left to decay due to fires and earthquakes.

Kamen Castle turned into ruins due to its decay, but numerous restoration projects took place in the 20th and 21st centuries. The first major conservation interventions were carried out in 1968, when the preserved walls were stabilized. In 2005, additional archaeological research was carried out, which contributed to a better understanding of the history of the castle. The latest large-scale restoration project began in 2020, when local authorities, in collaboration with experts, carried out conservation work aimed at the long-term preservation of the ruins.

Literature and sources
Stopar, I. (1992). Grajske stavbe v osrednji Sloveniji: Gorenjska. Ljubljana: Založba Slovenije.
Žontar, J. (1966). Zgodovina slovenskih dežel. Ljubljana: Založba Obzorja.
Ravnik, P. (2015). Kulturni pomen grajskih stavb na Gorenjskem*. Tržič: Tržiški muzej.

Burger Landmarks / MojaSlovenija.si

Digitalizacija dediščine: (c) Boštjan Burger, (1993) 1996-2025