Katzenstein manor & park by works of Architect Jože Plečnik
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Begunje na Gorenjskem, parkPhoto: Jošt Gantar, CC BY, Turizem Radovljica
The Katzenstein Mansion was buit in the 14th century, while it's present day appearance dates from renovations in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. From 1875 the building was used as a women's prison, during Nazi occupation it became a notorious prison where 11 500 political prisoners were incarcerated and close to 850 brutally killed . Today Psychiatric Hospital occupies majority of the mansion, while the northwest wing was converted into the Museum of Hostages.
From the mansion a horse chestnut tree-lined avenue leads to a wooden pavilion named Brezjanka and a larger pavilion with a former shrine to St. Joseph, known as Jožamurka. The designs for both were drawn up during the years 1937-1939 by the famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik and commissioned by the Sisters of Charity who managed the womens prison before WWII.
The burial ground of world war II hostages was arranged by Plečnik's student arch. Ravnikar, while the statues are the work of sculptor Boris Kalin.
Opening hours
| Sunday | 13:00–18:00 |
| Tuesday | 13:00–18:00 |
| Wednesday | 13:00–18:00 |
| Thursday | 13:00–18:00 |
| Friday | 13:00–18:00 |
| Saturday | 13:00–18:00 |
The above given opening times apply for the summer season. For off season visits please check the opening times on the web page of The Museum of hostages .
Price:
The museum of hostages
Adults : 2€
Children : 1.5€
Park and burial ground is admission free.
The interor of the mansion unfortunatelly cannot be visited (Pyshicatric hospital).
Public transport
Alpetour (Arriva) operates hourly public bus service to Begunje, starting from Radovljica, Bled or Krnica. Few times a day, there is also a direct bus connection from directon Tržič or Jesenice.
Arriving to bus station in Begunje, you will already be able to recognize the mighty volume of Katzenstein mansion.
In July and August, a special Hop-on Hop-off bus runs from Bled, Campsite Šobec and Radovljica to Begunje. Look for the timetables at the web site of Radovljica tourist board.
Getting there
Use exits Lesce (3), Radovljica (4) or Brezje (5) from A2/E 61 motorway and follow the signs for Begunje na Gorenjskem. Reaching the village, pass the Elan ski factory and Mercator grocery shop. On your left hand side you shall see public parking spaces and Tourist information centre Begunje.
Park the car, and walk towards the dominant manison standing to the left-hand side of the parish church.
Parking
Free parking spaces are avaliable next to Jurček pub in Begunje and infront of Post office (apart from those marked with blue line).Coordinates
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Katzenstein manor & park by works of Architect Jože Plečnik
4275 Begunje
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