The history of Stari grad
Kamnik’s beginnings under the Counts of Andechs
In the early 12th century, the Bavarian Counts of Andechs acquired extensive estates in what is now Slovenia. These included parts of present-day Gorenjska, the Kozjak and Trojane passes, and the Kokra and Srednjica valleys. Under their rule, Kamnik became one of the most important centres in Carniola in the 13th century.
Two castles in Kamnik were first mentioned in 1202: the Lower Castle (Mali grad) and the Upper Castle, now the ruins of Stari grad. The castle was most likely built in the 12th century. Its position high above the town and its defensive walls gave it strategic importance, allowing control of routes through the Tuhinj Valley past Kamnik towards Styria, Gorenjska and Primorska.
The fate of Kamnik’s castle
According to Valvasor, the castle belonged to the Ortenburg family in the 13th century and later passed to the Gallenbergs. In 1450 it came into the hands of the provincial rulers, who leased it to various noble families. It served both defensive and administrative purposes. An earthquake badly damaged it in 1511, followed soon afterwards by a devastating fire affecting much of the complex. Despite attempts to rebuild it, the castle gradually lost its importance. After 1600, its new owner, Count Thurn, abandoned it for good, marking the beginning of its decline. Time and nature took their toll, slowly turning it into the picturesque ruins that still recall its former grandeur.
Stari grad today
Today, the castle remains are poorly preserved after centuries of decay and later changes, including the construction of a mountain lodge on the eastern edge of the ruins. Important features are still visible, including Gothic walls, an entrance tower and part of an arrow slit, recalling the castle’s defensive role. Its rectangular layout included walls, towers and an inner courtyard that provided effective protection against attack. The ruins still offer an insight into the grandeur and strategic importance of a castle that played a significant role in the area’s history.
