Strmol Castle

At the foot of Dvorje Hill, surrounded by a park and a small lake, stands Strmol Castle, one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in Slovenia. It is first mentioned in written records in 1287 and takes its name from its first owners, the Knights of Strmol. Over the centuries it changed hands several times, yet the castle has kept its distinctive appearance and rich interior to this day. Its last private owners, Rado and Ksenija Hribar, left a particular mark on it in the 20th century. They transformed the castle into a refined residence and furnished it with works of art, period furniture and valuable objects. Much of the furnishing has survived, so a visit to the castle still offers an authentic insight into the lives of its former residents. The story of the Hribar couple and their tragic fate also inspired Drago Jančar’s novel I Saw Her That Night. With its picturesque park, small lake and lime-tree avenue, the castle forms an exceptional cultural and landscape whole. In 2004 it was declared a cultural monument of national importance, and after a thorough renovation it reopened to the public in 2012.

Today Strmol Castle is a protocol venue of the Republic of Slovenia; the castle and its outbuildings are managed by the public enterprise Protocol Services of the Republic of Slovenia – JGZ Brdo.

Visitors can learn about the castle’s rich history, its preserved rooms and the stories of its former residents on a guided tour, booked in advance.