Strmol Manor – A Medieval Castle, Aristocratic Residence, and a Modern Protocol Jewel of Slovenia

Strmol Manor, often also referred to as Strmol Castle, stands at the foot of Dvorjanski hrib in the municipality of Cerklje na Gorenjskem, near the villages of Češnjevek, Grad, and Dvorje. With its exceptional state of preservation, multilayered history, and contemporary state function, it is one of the most valuable castle complexes in Slovenia. Strmol is unique in that it is among the few Slovenian castles or manors that have preserved their original Slovene name throughout the centuries, already attested with its earliest known owners – the Strmol family.

Castle or Manor?

Strmol is, by origin, a medieval castle, designed as a fortified residence with a defensive moat, drawbridge, and protective walls. However, Renaissance and Baroque renovations transformed it into a manor, a comfortable aristocratic residence with representative rooms, a landscaped park, and artistic furnishings. Today, both terms are used: “castle” for its medieval core and “manor” for its architectural and functional character.

Geographical Setting

The manor is situated in the hilly landscape beneath Mount Krvavec, on the transition between the flat Kranj Plain and the foothills of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. Its location was strategically chosen: a gentle rise, natural water sources, proximity to trade routes between Kranj, Kamnik, and Cerklje, and the ability to oversee surrounding estates were key factors in the establishment of the medieval stronghold.

Historical Development

Middle Ages

Strmol Castle is first mentioned in the 13th century, although the exact date of its foundation is unknown. The earliest structure was likely a simple fortified building used to control local estates and routes. The manor takes its name from the Strmol family, among the first known owners who significantly shaped its early development.

Renaissance and Baroque Transformation

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle underwent extensive renovations. The Renaissance redesign introduced:

• a rectangular defensive layout,

• fortified corner towers,

• a moat with a drawbridge,

• larger residential quarters and an inner courtyard.

During the Baroque period, the manor acquired a more representative appearance, with richly furnished interiors, tapestries, and artworks. The castle park, whose basic layout survives to this day, also dates from this era.

19th and Early 20th Century

Throughout the 19th century, the manor changed hands several times but retained its architectural integrity. The last private owners before the Second World War were Rado and Ksenija Hribar, who transformed Strmol into a cultural and social hub of the Gorenjska region.

The Hribar Family – Cultural Patrons and the Tragic Story of Strmol

Rado and Ksenija Hribar purchased the manor in 1936 and turned it into a refined residence of European stature. Their contribution was remarkable:

Cultural Patrons

• They brought to Strmol an extensive art collection, furniture, porcelain, textiles, and other objects that today form the core of the manor’s authentic interior.

• They supported Slovenian artists, musicians, and intellectuals.

Modernizers of the Estate

• They modernized agricultural production on the estate.

• They employed local people and improved social conditions in the area.

Politically Exposed Figures

• Rado Hribar was a businessman, banker, and diplomat, which placed him in a sensitive position during the war.

Their Death – Long Silenced, Today Historically Clarified

Rado and Ksenija Hribar were killed in January 1944, one of the most tragic episodes of Slovenian wartime history. For decades, their case was described as “unexplained,” largely due to political sensitivity and a lack of documentation.

Today, the following is known:

• In 2015, human remains were discovered in the forest near Mače above Preddvor and were forensically identified as the remains of Rado and Ksenija Hribar.

• Historical research and testimonies confirm that they were killed by members of the partisan movement.

• The motive was likely a combination of political suspicion, personal grievances, and property-related interests.

• Their bodies were disposed of in a karst pit, which was confirmed by the discovery of their remains.

Thus, the case is no longer considered unexplained historically, although it was never resolved in a legal sense.

A Literary Echo – To Noč Sem Jo Videla (That Night I Saw Her)**

The tragic fate of the Hribar couple deeply marked Slovenian cultural memory. Their story inspired one of the most acclaimed Slovenian novels of the 21st century, To noč sem jo videl (2010) by Drago Jančar. The novel is not a historical account but a literary interpretation that, through multiple narrative perspectives, explores the collapse of the pre-war world, the moral dilemmas of wartime, and the fate of individuals caught in ideological turmoil. Although fictionalized, the novel is clearly inspired by the lives and deaths of the Hribar couple and the atmosphere surrounding Strmol Manor before and during the war.

Architecture and Interior

The central building of the manor is surrounded by a low Renaissance defensive wall reinforced with square corner towers. Access was once possible via a drawbridge over the moat. The interior is richly furnished with historical furniture, artworks, and objects reflecting various periods of the manor’s development.

A distinctive feature of Strmol are the Baroque female statues and the Atlas figures on the northern entrance staircase. These sculptures originate from the Zalog Manor near Moravče (Wartenberg), which was destroyed during the Second World War and later transferred to Strmol.

The Castle Park

The park surrounding the manor dates to the late 17th century. It originally included:

• an orchard on the slope below the castle,

• four ponds on the lower terrace,

• a footpath leading from the manor into the valley.

Today, only one pond survives, but the basic spatial layout remains largely unchanged. Between the access paths lies an informal park with an artificial lake and exotic trees, creating a picturesque setting.

Present-Day Use

Today, Strmol Manor serves as a protocol residence of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. It hosts:

• state receptions,

• international meetings,

• conferences,

• cultural events.

In addition, the manor functions as a luxury guest residence, welcoming selected guests and delegations. Due to its exceptional preservation, authentic interior, and landscaped park, Strmol is one of the best-preserved castle complexes in Slovenia.