For the first time in 80 years, Turjak Castle has been completely renovated

On Thursday, August 27, 2026, the town of Turjak celebrated a historic milestone with the official reopening of the restored Turjak Castle, one of Slovenia’s most iconic historical landmarks. The ceremony, held in the presence of high-profile figures including Prime Minister Janez Janša, marked the first complete restoration of the castle since its destruction during World War II. The event began with a solemn mass in the church of the castle, donated by Ljubljana’s Bishop Dr. Anton Jamnik. The unveiling of the renovated structure was accompanied by speeches highlighting its cultural significance and the collaborative effort behind its revival. The castle, located in the Kranjska region, has long been a symbol of Slovenian heritage. It was originally built by the Turjan family, who were among the most powerful noble families in the area. Its history is intertwined with periods of conflict, including Turkish invasions and the Reformation, during which it served as a refuge for prominent figures such as Primož Trubar and Jurij Dalmatin. Over centuries, the castle changed hands multiple times, reflecting the shifting political landscape of the region. However, the castle's fate took a tragic turn in September 1943, when it was attacked by communist partisans. The assault occurred during a critical period in the Second World War, following Italy’s capitulation and the subsequent occupation of the region by partisan forces. The attackers, armed with Italian artillery, subjected the fortress to days of heavy bombardment. As a result, approximately 700 defenders were forced to surrender. During this time, 28 wounded individuals were killed by the partisans, and many others were sent to Velike Lašče, where they were executed near the railway station. Some were transported further east to Kočevje, where a staged trial led to the execution of 16 key figures. In the aftermath, hundreds more were systematically murdered across various locations, including Mozlje, Jelendola, Travni Gori, and Mačkovci. These atrocities resulted in the deaths of around 600 Slovenians in the region. The destruction of the castle continued beyond the initial attack. On December 3, 1943, members of the 14th Partisan Division were dispatched to further dismantle the structure. According to accounts from the third volume of Tomšičeva brigada (Ljubljana, 1989, page 562), the partisans believed the castle’s inner hall led to a circular path, leading them to set fire to the building from one end to the other. The flames spread rapidly, forcing some to jump through windows onto the courtyard. Among the casualties were two individuals who suffered severe injuries, while others managed to escape using ladders. The castle was left in ruins, with its walls standing but its roof destroyed, leaving it exposed to the elements over the years. Following the war, the castle became a site of remembrance, slowly being restored over several decades. However, the process remained incomplete until recent efforts, supported by European funds and the work of 170 professionals, brought the project to fruition. The final phase of reconstruction, which included the renovation of the northern wing and the defensive tower, was completed just months before the ceremonial opening. At the inauguration, Prime Minister Janez Janša emphasized the castle’s role as a symbol of Slovenian identity and cultural continuity. He noted that the restoration represents not only a return to the past but also a commitment to preserving national heritage for future generations. The event drew attention from both local and international observers, underscoring the broader importance of cultural preservation in post-war societies. Minister of Culture Ignacija Fridl Jarc highlighted the strategic decision to allocate European funds toward the restoration, noting that the project aligned with Slovenia’s broader goals of revitalizing its cultural heritage. She expressed satisfaction with the timely completion of the work, which had initially faced challenges due to the pandemic and related restrictions. The project was funded under the European mechanism for recovery and resilience, which aimed to support economic and social recovery after the coronavirus crisis. The restoration team, led by architect Teja Savelli, described the process as complex and demanding. The project required not only structural repairs but also functional upgrades, particularly to the northern wing and the defensive tower. Special care was taken to ensure that new additions did not detract from the historical integrity of the site. The work was carried out under a contract signed in October 2024, following financial approvals that allowed the project to proceed swiftly. In addition to the physical restoration, the event underscored the symbolic value of the castle as a living monument to Slovenia’s history. With its renewed appearance, Turjak stands once again as a testament to the enduring legacy of a nation that has weathered countless trials throughout the ages.