Skofja Loka Things to Do

Homan's House is a civil Manor house which was restored after the 1511 earthquake. Of interest, were the frescoes I saw of a medieval Soldier and part ofSaint Christopf. You see, these have been there for a long time, but were only discovered during renovation's in 1970! Luckily, they weren't completely destroyed.
Now days, we can enjoy a Coffee or a meal here!

This is the name of a Fountain I saw in the Upper Town Square.
Mark of Mary was built in the year 1751, as a thank-you for prevention of fire and plague. If you are thirsty, you still can use it for drinking water!

What is interesting about a Town School I hear you say!

This one, beside ST. Jacob's Church is believed to be the first school, dating to 1538.

Well, on the outside wall it says.......
"1627 the Lord of the castle of Stara Loka - Mihael Papler - gave the building beside the Parish church as a present."
There is the old fresco and it looks to be a "coat of arms," but not one for the Township of Skofja Loka!

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Located in a Square, is St. Jacob’s Church, and, the door's were open!

This is another Church that didn't look much from the outside, but inside, it was lovely! Looking a bit like a Hall, this 15th century Church is built on the foundations of an older Church.

Inside, and there are chandeliers and a newish baptistery. On the ceiling were paintings of guild patrons and noblemen who contributed money towards the construction of the Church.
The Church has used a lot of Black Marble through-out, so is a little different to many I had seen!
From the outside, I think it is deceiving!

This very thick walled Town gate, once protected the City. It is located just inside the old Town where the Capuchin Bridge is. You may walk through it on your way to the Bridge, I did!
The Town gate leads through narrow Blazeva Street which is an interesting part of the city.

The road isn't straight, so it has been described in an old Loka Rhyme as........

"Skofja Loka, a large city has ne’er been, and will ne’er large appear,
a winding road will take you there, which makes it hard to steer."

Mmmm!!

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Here we were in the 1000 year old Town of Skofja Loka, and I had just come across a stone Bridge that was more than 700 years old, wow! and it and the old Town is still standing!

A stone Bridge with an Arch, pretty, but hard to get a photo of, so I had to walk upstream to take the one I did!

The fencless, arched, stone Bridge was built in the 14th century over the Selca-Sora River.
It has a sad story as it was built by Bishop Leopold who also met his fate on this Bridge. He was riding his Horse across the fenceless Bridge, when the Horse was startled and fell over the side and into the River, killing the Bishop.
Since then, there is iron railing on either side, and in the middle is a statue of St. John of Nepomuk with the seal of Skofja Loka engraved.

This Bridge connects the "New Town" with the "Old Town."

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In the Old Town, is this old Church of Mary Immaculate or Nun's Church.

Built in 1358, it is quite a plain Church that has some frescoes that are fading away. One is of the cruxifiction.
The statue of "Mary" is located in a little alcove in the stone wall, and then I had to climb a stair case to reach the Church.
In 1782, Klarisa's nunnery which operated under the church complex was dissolved. Interestingly, it was connected to the Castle on top of the Hill

Another interesting Church that is located by the Capuchin Bridge but on the new side of Town, is the Capuchin Church, Library and Monastery. Nowhere near as old as the others, this one was built in 1709 to the "Rules of the Beggar's Order."
In the Library is a precious manuscript of friar Romuald from 1721 called "The passion of Skofja Loka.
It is the oldest preserved drama text written in Slovene language. It was performed as passion procession through the streets of Skofja Loka after more than 200 years, and included 600 performer's!