Škofja Loka
Škofja Loka is positioned at the transition of the Sora Plain (Sorško polje) into the Škofja Loka and Polhov Gradec Hills (Škofjeloško in Polhograjsko hribovje). It guards the entrance into the Selška Valley and Poljanska Valley, two beautiful valleys with the rivers of the same name, Sora (Poljanska Sora and Selška Sora). The medieval town, which was first mentioned in 973, is build at the junction of both rivers into one.
Small old city centre is considered as the most beautifully preserved medieval city in Slovenia. It had an interesting and rich history, which is presented in the museum at the Castle of Škofja Loka. Town Square is built on the higher river terrace, Lower Square lies just above the river, naturally the best connection between the two leads close to the church.
The city centre is small but charming.
Castle was built in 12th century and dominates the city sights.
One can easily spot the best places to take photos of the castle. Among them are all bridges, especially the lowest one where traffic enters the lower old town and the one close behind the main bus station. Probably the best spot is from the small church on the small hill above Puštal, called Hribec. The church is very visible from the town and only a few minutes walk away, we have a special post about this spot.
The latest which is also a good place to shot the river and old houses above, with the popular local hill, Lubnik, in the background. It is also one of the two best spots for sunset chasing.
And the bridge itself:
Good views of the castle are also from the Grajska pot (Castle Path) path and from the square where it begins.
The Castle Park behind the castle is also worth exploring.
But the best view on the castle with the whole old town beneath is from the church Cerkev povišanje Sv. Križa which lies above the Puštal, a a former separate settlement on the right bank of Poljanska Sora, now a part of the city.
But Škofja Loka is not only a city. Together with both valleys, Poljanska and Selška, form a whole small region, a destination full of history, amazing nature and experiences. Right behind the castle an alert eye can spot in the distance the famous church of Sv. Tomaž, a photographer’s Mecca.
Besides St. Thomas, Škofja Loka area offers many spots like this, pictoresque villages with even more pictoresque churces on the top of the hills, great views and unspoilt nature. Križna gora is one of them, just a few minutes drive from the city, as is also Sv. Andrej (St. Andreas). Some others may not offer so many views but are beautiful photo objects by themselves, as is Sv. Volbenk.
Read more about Škofja Loka.
Zoran Leban Trojar @zokus_gf
