Medija Castle, Castle ruins in Podlipovica, Slovenia.
Medija Castle is a medieval fortress in ruins located in Podlipovica at about 400 meters above sea level. The main surviving structure is a restored chapel at the heart of the site, which remains the focal point of the hillside location.
The castle was founded in the late 13th century as a fortified structure in the region. During World War II, it was destroyed by explosives set by Yugoslav Partisans, leaving most of its buildings in ruins.
The castle served as the childhood home of Johann Weikhard von Valvasor, a notable Slovenian scholar who made contributions to literature and science. Visitors can sense this connection to the past as they explore the remaining structures on the hillside.
The site is best accessed on foot since it sits on a hillside with steep paths leading to the ruins. The restored chapel is occasionally used for events such as concerts, performances, and ceremonies, so visitor access may vary depending on scheduled activities.
The ruins contain architectural elements spanning multiple centuries that reflect how construction methods and fortress design evolved in the region. Close inspection reveals how different building phases overlap, showing the shift in building styles over time.
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