Kozjak Castle, castle ruin near Trebnje, Slovenia
Kozjak Castle is a ruin sitting on a rocky hill in Dolenje Selce, surrounded by forests and fields. The remaining stone walls show the rectangular layout of the original building, with traces of towers and rooms that visitors can see as they walk through the site.
The first written record of Kozjak Castle dates to 1332, though documents suggest a knight named Ulrik of Kosieck already owned it in 1274. The fortress declined gradually from the 17th century onward and was completely abandoned by the 1800s, after which nature reclaimed the site.
The name Kozjak comes from a Slovene word referring to a type of wild animal that once roamed the region. Today, visitors can see how the ruin sits within its rural setting, where nature and history blend together in a quiet way.
The site has no shops or facilities, so bring water and wear comfortable shoes for the visit. The ruins are not restored, so care is needed when walking through the old stone structures, and while the climb up the hill is not difficult, it does take some time.
A well-known Slovene writer, Josip Jurčič, set his book Jurij Kozjak at this castle, telling stories of life and struggle during times when the Ottoman Empire threatened the region. This literary connection has made the site more meaningful for those interested in both history and literature.
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