Kostel Castle, Medieval castle on a hill above Kolpa River, Slovenia.
Kostel Castle is a fortified complex set on a hilltop overlooking the Kolpa River, featuring five towers positioned along its stone defensive walls. The layout includes multiple buildings and courtyards that once served different purposes and remain open to visitors today.
The castle was built between 1247 and 1325 by the Counts of Ortenburg and received its first written mention in 1336. It served as an administrative center and defensive stronghold for the surrounding territory throughout the medieval period.
The complex includes a Gothic chapel dedicated to the Three Kings that still serves the local community for worship and events. You will notice how the space hosts concerts and exhibitions that reflect the region's cultural life.
The castle is best explored during daylight hours when the historic structures are most visible and the views of the surrounding landscape are clear. The site has pathways throughout, and comfortable shoes are recommended since the terrain has uneven surfaces.
The complex forms part of the second largest castle ensemble in the country and preserves one of the few intact medieval market settlements of its kind. This unusual combination means visitors can observe how a medieval community functioned in its original setting.
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