Monday, February 16, 2015

Bled lake and castle

Bled lake is a one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia. It’s located not far away from the country’s capital in the surroundings of the Alpine peaks. Bled is a very nice resort. Especially for those who don’t like very hot weather. You can do many activities on the lake. I even found the summer sled at the slope of the one mountains. Bikes, walking, swimming, canoeing – is only a short list of activities which you can do on the Bled.

But Bled is also a historical place. In the middle of the lake there is a small island where Baroque church stands. The church occupies the place where in the pre-historic time was the pagan temple.

Photo Scenic view of the Bled lake

Later there was located the Slavic settlement and the first version of Bled church has been built approximately between 9 and 10 centuries. In 1142 church has been rebuilt in the Romanesque style.

In the 15th century Bled church has renovated in the Gothic style but in 1509 it was destroyed during the powerful earthquake. Only a few frescoes and wooden statue of Our Lady where survived from the Gothic church.

Restoration and renovation of the church where completed in the Baroque style and it took its current guise.

Another notable monument of the Bled lake is castle which is reckoned as the oldest castle in Slovenia. It stands atop of the cliff above the lake surface and proposes spectacular view to lake behind.

As I know Bled castle originates from the 11 century. Of course, it was rebuilt a few times and today it’s converted into the restaurants. Also inside the castle there is a small museum which holds nice collection of medieval weapons.

Also you can examine a small 16th-century chapel in the castle which contains mediaeval paintings of castle possessors.