Mali grad
Tomšičeva 23, SI-1241 Kamnik
Phone386 (0) 1 839 1470, 386 (0) 31 388 324 (mobile)
ProprietorKamnik Municipality
Contact
History
The archaeological finds show us a cult centre in pre antique times. The castle is first mention in 1202, but was of older origin.
At the end of the 13th century the castle was caught in a fire, the northeast part was demolished and never be rebuild. The castle was torn down in the 16th century after the earthquake in 1511, leaving only a two-storey Romanesque chapel (Dvojna kapela) constructed between the 11th and 15th centuries.
The castle is in ruins today; beside the chapel one can see the remnants of defensive walls, and the recently restored and newly covered defensive tower.
Chapel
The first chapel of St Margaret with crypt, the presbytery of today's lower chapel, was erected around 1100. When the nave was added, the Romanesque portal with the lunette was displaced. In the 13th century the chapels’ second floor was built, dedicated to Bartholomew the Apostle, with Gothic vault build after 1470. The lower chapel was than dedicated to St Eligius, decorated again after 1771 with the frescos by Janez Potočnik. The whole Chapel was rebuilt in Baroque style around 1700. Inside there are also remnants of Gothic and Baroque frescos.
Legend
In Mali grad once lived Countess Veronika, who was stingy. One day she got a visit from three priests who asked her for money for the renovation of the church. Veronika answered, she preferred to convert to a snake rather than to give them money. The words were not spoken to an end the lightning strikes her and she became half snake and half human. She can be saved by seven-year boy, whipping her three times at her back. In return he will be given her treasure.
See also
- Zaprice Castle
- Veronika Gallery, Kamnik
- Medieval Days, Kamnik
- Josip Nikolaj Sadnikar Collection, Kamnik
- Kamnik Intermunicipal Museum
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