Hmeljnik Castle, Medieval castle in Gorenje Kamenje, Slovenia.
Hmeljnik is a castle located on a hilltop above the A2 motorway, featuring a square romanesque central tower and gothic corner towers. Two concentric defensive walls once surrounded the structures, forming a layered fortification system.
The castle was first documented in 1217 when it belonged to the Lords of Hopfenbach, a prominent regional family. Following their decline in the 14th century, the property changed hands multiple times among different noble families who modified it.
The castle displays architectural layers from different periods that tell the story of construction and adaptation across centuries. Walking through the site, visitors can observe how romanesque, gothic, and later styles were woven into the same structure.
The ruins contain unstable structures and loose stonework, so visitors need to be careful while exploring the site. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the terrain is uneven and parts of the castle remain dangerous to approach.
The castle contained Renaissance arcaded hallways within its courtyard, allowing covered passage between buildings during bad weather. The lower courtyard included additional defensive structures, creating multiple lines of protection for those inside.
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