<

Rihemberk Castle

Standing on a steep slope above Branik, the medieval fortress is certainly one of the most beautiful castles in the Slovene Littoral. Documents first mention the structure in 1230. The castle was named after the Rihemberk knights, its original owners, who erected the mighty Gothic bergfried, which still dominates the surrounding area. Following the extinction of the noble family in the 15th century, possession of the castle changed hands several times. In doing so, new architectural elements were added to the fortress. Today, the Renaissance walls with round defensive towers (roundel) give the castle its distinctive appearance.

Although, the castle complex was burnt down and looted during Second World War, extensive renovation works began just after a few years. Nowadays, the restored castle is a popular tourist attraction. In addition to its extraordinary cultural and historical significance, the site is also a real treasure trove for bat lovers, as many of the small mouse-like mammals have chosen to make Rihemberk Castle their permanent home.