The Waldenberg or Pusti grad Castle near Radovljica
A description of architectural history
Keywords:
castle, medieval castles, Waldenberk, Waldenberg, Wallenberg, Wallenburg, Lipnica Castle, Pusti grad Castle, Zgornja Lipnica near Radovljica, Čušperk/Zobelsberg, architecture, architectural history, castelology, architectural development, Romanesque Period, Ganerbenburgs, Counts of Ortenburg, Counts of Waldenberg, Counts of Cilli, HabsburgsAbstract
The Waldenberg Castle built on the lookout hill near Radovljica was one of the most important medieval castles in Carniola. It first appeared in written sources in 1228. The castle remained in the possession of the Counts of Ortenburg until their extinction in 1418, and then passed into the hands of the Counts of Cilli and the House of Habsburg. The castle was built in the late 12th century as a so-called Ganerbenburg, with the symmetrical layout, arched walls, a small inner courtyard and two palatia. Until the end of the 14th century it was surrounded by an extensive outer bailey and protected by two defensive towers and moats. In this period the castle also became a representative residence of the Counts of Ortenburg. Between 1456 and 1573 it lost its function as a representative residence of higher nobility and strengthened its defensive role. It was further protected with fortification elements, especially a fortified extension on the southern side of the castle core and a reinforced barbican at the main gate into the castle’s compound.
