Lake Bled, Slovenia

The heart and soul of Radovljica is Linhart Square which inspires with the variety and authenticity of its preserved architecture. The old town centre of Radovljica is enriched by numerous museums, galleries and restaurants, and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

The castle's history dates back to 1004 when the German king Henry II conferred the estate of Bled on Bishop Albuin of Brixen. At that time, only Romanesque tower protected by the wall stood at the place of the current castle. The first castle was built by the bishops around 1011 for defensive purposes. The bishops of Brixen never lived in the castle; therefore, it did not have any exuberant rooms. In the Middle Ages additional towers were built and the fortification system with the wall and lifting tower above the ditch were upgraded. The ditch has been covered, but the scene still stirs up our imagination. Double structure is typical of the castle – the fortified main part, intended for the residence of feudal lords, and the exterior part with the walls and facilities for servants. In 1511, the castle was strongly damaged by and earthquake, but it was rebuilt in the image as it is today. The castle buildings are decorated with the images of coats-of-arms, painted in fresco technique, some are engraved in stone. Bled Castle in the present The castle was restored in the period from 1951 to 1961, whereas 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. A 12-metre deep well was carved in rock in the lower courtyard, and the castle also hosts the tower gallery featuring monthly exhibitions, a memorial room dedicated to Arnold Rikli and a room dedicated to museums in Gorenjska, as well as the Castle Beehive with souvenirs also. There is a museum in the upper courtyard, where you can delve deep into the distant past of Lake Bled, from the early excavations and the castle to the individual steps of its historical development, and see period-specific artefacts. The artefacts do not originate from Bled Castle, but are important for illustrating the residential culture in all the periods the castle has faced so far. A path leads from the upper courtyard to the castle chapel, smithy, souvenir shop and restaurant. Many cultural events take place on the castle's courtyard, especially in warm months. Special attention is given to the Medieval Days when knights show visitors how people lived in the Middle Ages.

Situated on the lake shore and within easy walking distance of all major hotels, the centre seating 484 is ideally located for all types of top-level corporate and entertainment events. The Bled Festival Hall has hosted scientific and professional congresses, corporate and economic meetings, political meetings and sporting events.

Vintgar Gorge, carved by Radovna River, is located near Gorje, approximately 4 kilometres north-west from Bled. The 1.6-kilometre long gorge is carved amidst the glorious vertical walls of Hom and Boršt hills, and it is highlighted by the Radovna River and its waterfalls, pools and rapids. A study trail runs across the gorge and the wooden bridges as well as Žumer galleries, which ends with the mighty 13 metres high Šum river waterfall, one of the three river waterfalls in Slovenia. Vintgar Gorge is the nearest point to entering Triglav National Park from Bled.

Before the church was built on the island, a temple dedicated to the pagan goddess of life and fertility stood at the same place. After Christianisation in 745, the ancient Slavic temple was replaced by a church, dedicated to the birth of Mary. The church was renovated in 1465 and rebuilt in single nave Gothic style. The special feature of the church was 52 metres high free standing bell tower, made of porous stone, called buckwheat grains. The panoramic bell tower has one large and two small bells that still resound today. The church got its current baroque image in the middle of the 17th century; the chapel of the Mother of God was also built on the island to motivate people to pray. The famous staircase was also built in that period. The staircase has 99 stone steps. There is a tradition still alive today, i.e. that the groom has to carry the bride up all 99 steps if the couple wants to get married in the church on the island. Attractions The most recognisable symbol of the island is the Church of the Mother of God on the lake with a long and diverse history. Amidst the greenery, you can explore interesting island buildings such as the bell tower, curacy and provost's house, small hermitage and some other mysterious legendary buildings. The wishing bell is popular among the many visitors who come to the island. When they ring the bell, they recommend themselves to the Mother of God and express their wishes and requests for her to hear them. The sexton's house is located at the south staircase. The sexton's house and the hermitage are now connected by a building that was constructed in the second half of the 20th century and was named "Potičnica" in 2012. The source of a small spring can be found on the north shore, where a stone chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes has been carved in the slope since 1888.