Postcards from Around the World

If you ever decide to visit Slovenia (and I recommend that you do) then Lake Bled is a must, located in the Julian Alps in the Gorenjska region of Slovenia, not far from the Austrian and Italian borders. The circumference of the lakeside is an easy flat 6km stroll with beautiful views in every direction.

A castle view of Lake Bled and the island with the Church of the Assumption (which demands a climb up the 99 stone-step staircase).

The fairy-tale castle is perched atop a limestone cliff towering 130 metres above the lake and also worth a visit. It’s a steep climb up there, but the views from the top are far reaching.

The castle is an interesting medieval fortress dating back to 1004 and was extended and fortified in the Middle Ages though extensively damaged by an earthquake in 1511. It was rebuilt much the same as we see it today with the castle buildings decorated with the images of coats-of-arms, painted in fresco technique, some are engraved in stone.

The castle was restored between 1951 and 1961 and the Bled Castle Printing Works was integrated in the building for servants at the lower courtyard, and the castle wine cellar has also been added slightly higher.

Nowadays there are exhibitions and cultural events held in the tower gallery and the castle courtyard.

There is a shop, a museum and a restaurant as well as a preserved Gothic chapel in the upper courtyard, dedicated to Bishop St Albuin and St Ingenuin.

It was built in the 16th century; a baroque image was added to it at the end of the 17th century and was decorated with illusionist frescoes.

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Heyjude

I have lived in the UK for most of my life, but when young I definitely had wanderlust and even ended up living in South Africa for several years which was a wonderful experience. I now look forward to a long and leisurely retirement doing what I like most - gardening, photography, walking and travelling.

29 thoughts on “Postcards from Around the World”

    1. Actually there is a much easier route up from the town at the back, five minute walk for your pint of milk 🤗

  2. The ceiling looks very similar to the Mosque/Cathedral in Cordoba, Spain. It even has a look similar to places in Switzerland.
    It looks absolutely amazing and a place I’ve never thought to visit.

    1. I never thought I’d go back to Slovenia (it was on route in my India travels) and I was delighted to see how beautiful the country is. Lake Bled is a popular honeymoon destination and I can understand why.

  3. This is a country I’ve had on my Must Visit list for a while. Not sure it will happen now, but your account is so tempting.

    1. It’s a very pleasant place to spend a week. You don’t even need a car. Lake Bohinj nearby is also supposed to be beautiful though I didn’t get there.

  4. The lake is beautiful and the castle looks amazing – what a great place to visit! Building the castle must have been an extraordinary feat!

  5. A country that never crossed my visiting radar, but I have seen images of Lake Bled before, and it does look lovely. I can see why you enjoyed it, and thanks for showing us your photos.
    Best wishes, Pete. x

    1. This trip is longer ago than I thought! My travels seem to have come to an end since we moved to Cornwall. And now the last thing I want to do is fly.

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