THE ŽLEBIČ-ORTNEK CASTLE M.A.S.L.: 761 m 45.7826° N WALKING TRAIL 14.6711° E and a Circular Panoramic Trail South-East Slovenia Map Key Waymark for the Ortnek Castle Walking Trail Waymark for the Circular Trail Ortnek Castle Walking Trail Circular Trail Macadam Road Local Road Ljubljana-Kočevje Regional Road After a slow 45-minute walk, you get to the Veliki Žrnovec hill, where you can see the ruins of a medieval castle and the Church of St. George (Sv. Jurij). From here, the circular walking trail continues to the villages of Hudi Konec, Preska, Sinovica, and Gorenji Lazi, before ending at the starting View of the Church of St. George (Sv. Jurij) Prior to point in Žlebič after an hour and a half. World War II The circular walking trail boasts some fine The Church of St. George (the photo is in the possession views, in particular a beautiful view of the (Sv. Jurij) today of the Kosler family) Karst plateaus of Slemena and Grmada. From the village of Sinovica you can see The church, as it is known today, was most the entire Ribnica Field (Ribniško polje), likely built in the first third of the 17th century. surrounded by the woodlands of Velika Together with its equipment, it was a rare and Mala gora. You can also see a hilltop example of a preserved work of art from the with some beautiful views and the Church transitional period between the Gothic and the of St. Anna (Sv. Ana – 920 m.a.s.l.). Baroque Periods in the territory of the present- The Ribnica Nature Trail leads to the top day Slovenia. The church served its role up until from the direction of Ribnica. the end of World War II. In clear weather, travellers following the circular trail can also enjoy some magnificent views of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps mountain range. Ortnek Castle ruins A view of the Ribnica Valley from Sinovica Even back in the day, during the Late Bronze Age, there was an ancient fort on the hill of Veliki Žrnovec. In the Middle Ages, it is believed that the Counts of Ortenburg built two castles here, each on its own hill. Later, one of the two buildings was abandoned, while the other was fortified further. This is how the exterior of the mighty castle, known mostly for its depiction in a copper engraving Ortnek Castle dating back to 1679, a copper by Johann Weikhard von Valvasor, came about. engraving by Johann Weikhard von Valvasor (in the possession of the Kosler family) Project Coordinator: Ribnica Lions Club • Authors: Mirjam Trdan, Marina Gradišnik, Lions klub Ribnica Barbara Koblar • Graphic Design, Trail Map and Illustrations: Barbara Koblar • Photos: INDOK Centre – Ministry of Culture, National Gallery, Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia – Ljubljana Regional Unit, Kosler family’s private archives • The trail concept was launched as part of the Ribnica Lions Club’s campaign “I Walk to Help Develop Children’s Talents” and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of global Lionism. • Printing: Vibor d.o.o. • 2017.