Vrbovec Castle

At the confluence of the Savinja and Dreta rivers stands Vrbovec Castle, a landmark whose origins date back to the 12th century, when it was built as a defensive stronghold to guard the important route through the Upper Savinja Valley.

Over the centuries, the castle was repeatedly damaged by fires, wars, and floods, and then rebuilt. Its name is believed to come from the willow groves (“vrba”) that once graced the riverbanks.

Tomaž Hren and Vrbovec Castle

Vrbovec Castle is closely connected with Tomaž Hren (1560–1630), the Bishop of Ljubljana and one of the most influential figures of the Counter-Reformation in Slovenia. As the owner of the castle, Hren left a strong mark not only on the country’s religious, cultural, and political life but also on the development of the town of Nazarje.

When he fell seriously ill as a young man, Hren vowed that if he recovered, he would make a pilgrimage to Loreto in Italy, home to the famous Holy House of the Virgin Mary. Although he regained his health, he was unable to travel. In 1625, to fulfill his vow, he ordered the construction of the Nazareth House chapel on the hill above Vrbovec Castle. This was the first replica of the Loreto chapel in Europe and soon became an important pilgrimage site. Next to it, a Franciscan monastery was later built. 

The Vrbovec Museum of Forestry and Woodworking

The highlight of the castle is the Museum of Forestry and Woodworking, one of the few of its kind in Slovenia. The museum showcases the deep connection between the Savinja Valley and its forests, woodworking, carpentry, and the timber industry – a heritage that has shaped local life for centuries.

Architecture and present day

Architecturally, Vrbovec Castle is simple yet solid, built on a rectangular ground plan typical of medieval fortifications. Today, the building has been repurposed: it houses administrative offices of the Municipality of Nazarje, a restaurant, and a bar. While the castle itself is not open as a tourist attraction, its history remains alive through its museum and surrounding heritage sites.

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