I followed the river Sava through a valley through Litija and made it all the way to Bogenšperk. Somewhere along the way near Šmartno pri Litiji I was surprised by a might neo-gothic church, you can see even before you enter the place. If you want to take a picture that’s the spot from where to take it. The centre is so narrow you’ll have trouble avoiding oncoming traffic let alone take a photo or two in peace.
Who would have thought I haven’t visited
Bogenšperk before. And no – I haven’t sen it from the inside this time either, because I wanted to take more time for that. The castle promises well preserved chambers and the entrance is 4€. On the inside there are two exhibitions hidden behind the castle walls, from the multimedia room to Valvasor room, copper printing, collection of folklore, Valvasor’s correspondence and many copper pictures from the collection the sight of human death.
I was more interested in the surroundings – the day got bright and I explored the trim paths surrounding the castle, the avenue of trees, the park and two old but less preserved castles objects nearby.
The trim path always reminds me of my youth and camping trips with my parents. The one here is well preserved and 2,3km long with 12 stations and 19 exercises. It takes you around the premises and is circular – when you reach the point you’ve begun at, you’re through. Want to try?
If by chance you are not familiar with the rich history of the home of Janez Vajkard Valvasor I’d just mention, he was not the first owner. In fact the current castle Bogenšperk is just a substitute for the castle Lichenberg – a bit lower but destroyed in an earthquake, that belonged to the dynasty Wagen. After many scandals, deaths, last wills, depths and other problems similar to current corrupt speculations the castle finally became the property of the owner of Slava vojvodine Kranjske. But it didn’t remain with the family for long, for as we know, Valvasor went bankrupt due to his scientific research.
There are regular knight games held at the castle every summer and they have weddings (a castle wedding seems to be a huge trend in Slovenia at the moment), but the castle is also known for the superstition, so once a year all the local and foreign witches gather at the castle at the witching ball. Castle Bogenšperk also hosts other exhibitions and is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the area.
And as last I saved a special treat from my cup of tea. I’m not a road worker, but I was interested how wood stands out to the test of time and weather – if you walk on it. In the village of
Velika Preska te made a wooden sidewalk – the only one in Slovenia. Apart from the promotion a local woodcraftsman probably got this became a broader project. They wanted to connect the village with surrounding farms and in the future also attract tourists.
There is a permanent exhibition of Slovenian trees in the village as well as a mill and the surrounding rural area offers nice hiking trails for everybody. So you can take a hike and join the farm day, when local farmers bring forth old traditions. People are very active in the cultural and sport field, so you might join them in a village tournament, skiing or even ski jumping competition.
Every now and again it feels good for us city students to go out to the country side. If you’re not familiar enough with the hills and valleys of Sava I suggest you take a weekend and stay at a local tourist farm – in the summer they also offer camping on the premises and soak up on the cultural and farmin adventures. And don’t’ forget, farming is the keystone of the beginning of our culture and civilization.
Patricija Turnšek
Translation: Borut Jurišić
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