# Jablje Castle

- **Country:** Slovenia
- **Coordinates:** 46.141821, 14.553254

Jablje Castle, also known historically as Jable, Habah, or Habach Castle, is situated above the settlement of Loka pri Mengšu on the western edge of the Mengeš Plain in Slovenia. Constructed primarily from limestone, the current structure was erected around 1530 by the noble House of Lamberg, replacing an original fortress first documented in 1268. Over the centuries, ownership transferred through several prominent families, including the Rasp family and the barons Mosconi, before remaining with the barons Lichtenberg from 1780 until the conclusion of World War II. The site stands as a significant historical landmark that has witnessed centuries of regional nobility and political change.

Following the war, the castle was nationalized, looted, and repurposed first as residential apartments and later as an experimental facility for the University of Ljubljana. A comprehensive renovation undertaken between 1999 and 2006 restored the building to its former glory, allowing it to serve as a major protocolary site during Slovenia's 2008 presidency of the European Union. Today, the castle is in good condition and houses the Center for European Perspective. It is officially listed as a cultural monument and remains open to the public every other Saturday, with additional appointments available for groups.

The castle is renowned for its impressive interior features, particularly a set of Baroque frescoes painted by Franc Jelovšek. These artworks include a unique and curious depiction of a Chinese tambourine player riding a camel, which stands out as a distinctive artistic element within Slovenian heritage. The name of the castle has evolved over time, with German origins referencing a bushy creek, while modern linguistic theories suggest the Slovene name derives from the word for apple tree. This blend of architectural resilience, artistic treasure, and adaptive reuse makes Jablje Castle a notable destination for history enthusiasts.

![Photo of Jablje Castle](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/GradJablje.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jablje_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)