Ortnek Castle, Medieval castle ruin near Ribnica, Slovenia.
Ortnek Castle is a ruin on Big Žrnovec Hill, with stone remains displaying construction styles from different centuries. The fragments allow you to see how the building changed and was rebuilt over time.
The fortress was founded in 1161 by Count Otto II of Ortenburg and changed hands several times over the centuries. It later fell under the control of the Counts of Celje before becoming part of Habsburg territories.
The chapel dedicated to Saint George held religious artworks that reflected the faith of those who lived here. Today you can sense how central this sacred space was to the daily lives of the castle residents.
The site sits on a hilltop and is reachable on foot, though climbing is involved. Be aware that the ruins are open and unshielded, so watch your footing on uneven stone surfaces.
In the 1880s the Kosler family abandoned this location to move to the more comfortable Lower Ortnek Castle. This departure reveals how living conditions shifted for the residents over time.
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