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Loka Museum

Top choice in The Julian Alps


The town's premier sight is the commanding Loka castle, overlooking the settlement from a grassy hill west of Mestni trg. It dates from the 13th century and was extensively renovated after an earthquake in 1511. Today the castle houses the Loka Museum, which boasts an excellent ethnographic collection spread over two-dozen galleries on two floors. Exhibits run the gamut from taxidermied animals to church frescoes by way of local painters, lace-making traditions and WWII partisans; English labelling can be patchy for some exhibits.

In the garden, you’ll find a typical peasant house from nearby Puštal dating from the 16th century. Don't miss the four spectacular golden altars in the castle chapel. These date from the 17th century and were taken from a church destroyed during WWII in Dražgoše, northwest of Škofja Loka.

Two paths lead up to the castle from the Old Town; one starts just opposite Kavarna Homan, the other next to Martin House. A longer walking trail, the Three Castles Path, begins at the castle and travels a circular, forested path for about 5km (two hours), past the ruins of the Krancelj Tower and the Old Castle. The TIC has a brochure with map.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Julian Alps attractions

1. Former Town Hall

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On Mestni trg, look out for the former Town Hall, remarkable for its stunning three-storey Gothic courtyard and the 17th-century frescoes on its facade.

2. Plague Pillar

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The plague pillar, near the centre of Mestni trg, was erected in 1751.

3. Mestni Trg

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The group of pastel-hued 16th-century burghers' houses on this main square have earned the town the nickname 'Colourful Loka'. Almost every one is of…

4. Homan House

0.08 MILES

Almost every building on Mestni trg is of historical and architectural importance, but arguably the most impressive is Homan House, dating from 1511 with…

5. Capuchin Bridge

0.09 MILES

The tiny Capuchin Bridge (sometimes called the Stone Bridge) leading from the Capuchin monastery is one of the symbols of the town. It originally dates…

6. Martin House

0.1 MILES

The 17th-century Martin House leans on part of the Old Town wall. It has a wooden 1st floor, a late-Gothic portal and a vaulted entrance hall.

7. Parish Church of St James

0.1 MILES

The town's most important church dates back to the 13th century, with key features like the nave, the presbytery with star vaulting (1524) and the tall…

8. Capuchin Monastery

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The 18th-century Capuchin monastery, west of the bus station, has a priceless library of medieval manuscripts, as well as the Škofja Loka Passion, a…

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