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Architecture

Katzenstein manor & park by works of Architect Jože Plečnik

Architecture · Upper Carniola · 578 m · open today
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Turizem Radovljica Verified partner  Explorers Choice 
  • Begunje na Gorenjskem, park
    Begunje na Gorenjskem, park
    Photo: Jošt Gantar, CC BY, Turizem Radovljica
Magnificent baroque mansion reminiscences the tragic events of WWII in The Museum of hostages, while it's gardens hide an architectural gem of Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik.

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

open today
Sunday13:00–18:00
Tuesday13:00–18:00
Wednesday13:00–18:00
Thursday13:00–18:00
Friday13:00–18:00
Saturday13:00–18:00

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).

Profile picture of Radovljica tourist board
Author
Radovljica tourist board
Update: September 13, 2019

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.

By road

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

DD
46.377003, 14.200687
DMS
46°22'37.2"N 14°12'02.5"E
UTM
33T 438529 5136246
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Katzenstein manor & park by works of Architect Jože Plečnik

Begunje 55
4275 Begunje
Phone 00386 4) 533 37 90
Website http://www.mro.si E-mail mro@mro.si

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