Žovnek Castle, Medieval castle ruin in Braslovče, Slovenia.
Žovnek Castle is a stone ruin standing on elevated ground above a lake, with walls dating from the 12th century still visible. The remains show the structure of a former noble fortress that has occupied this location for centuries.
The fortress was first documented in 1278 as Castrum Sevnekke and served as the seat of the Lords of Žovnek. In 1333 this noble family moved their residence to Celje, abandoning their original stronghold.
The name comes from the lake below the ruins, which has long defined the landscape of this region. Today locals and visitors experience the site as a connection between medieval times and the present community.
Access is via a marked footpath that leads uphill and requires no special preparation to walk. There is no entrance fee, but sturdy shoes are recommended since the path can be uneven.
From the ruins, visitors can see multiple geographical locations at once: the northern peaks of the Posavje hills, the lake below, and the distant town of Celje. This wide view shows why this location was so strategically valuable as a fortress.
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