Ecobnb featured in a BBC News article. Explore the insights shared by one of the world’s largest broadcasting platforms about us.

BBC News, the world’s foremost broadcast news company, has spotlighted Ecobnb’s groundbreaking approach. Journalist Suzanne Bearne, in her article, characterizes the platform as a transformative force in sustainable tourism. The piece delves into the genesis of Ecobnb, exploring its conceptual origins, and outlines the company’s primary focuses and goals.

During the interview, Silvia Ombellini and Simone Riccardi shared the narrative of their inspiration, drawn from their travel experience in Potenza, Italy. This journey sparked the inception of their project, aimed at bridging the divide between eco-conscious travelers and environmentally friendly accommodations.

Ecobnb, headquartered in Trento, Italy, currently lists over 3,000 global properties committed to sustainable practices. Accommodation properties need to fulfill at least five out of ten eco-standards to quality for listing on the platform. These are: using 100% renewable energy, serving organic or locally sourced food, and collecting and reusing rainwater. The further criteria are to have low-consumption lightbulbs, use solar power to heat water, see that more than 80% of waste is recycled, use eco-friendly cleaning products, have water flow reducers fitted, include environmentally-friendly architecture, and be accessible without a car.

Silvia Ombellini notes a substantial rise in Ecobnb’s user base. 2.8 million travelers opting for sustainable accommodations annually, marking a significant growth from 780,000 in 2018. This trend aligns with a global shift. A recent study suggests that 69% of travelers actively seek sustainable travel options.

In the article, they highlight that Ecobnb not only connects travelers with eco-friendly accommodations but also encourages sustainable practices. Accommodation providers on the platform offer various incentives—for instance, discounts for guests arriving by bicycle or choosing eco-friendly transportation during their stay.

While acknowledging the environmental impact of flights, Silvia Ombellini emphasizes Ecobnb’s commitment to promoting staycations and urges travelers to explore their own countries. This aligns with the growing interest in green lifestyles, emphasizing that collective small choices can bring about meaningful change.

The article furthermore mentions a hotel chain in the Netherlands, a flight-free travel company from the UK who are both working towards a more sustainable future of the tourism sector. As the sustainable travel movement gains momentum, platforms like Ecobnb are essential in transforming the travel landscape. By fostering a connection between conscious travelers and eco-friendly accommodations, Ecobnb is contributing to a shift toward responsible and mindful tourism practices. 

In conclusion, the BBC’s coverage shows the global significance of this aim. Without a doubt travelers increasingly seek ways to align their vacations with their commitment to a sustainable future.

Read the article here!

The article Ecobnb in the article of BBC News was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Fashion is a means of expressing people’s personalities and styles. While the textile sector is crucial in the global economy, it also has a high environmental impact. During Waste Reduction Week (EWWR), we will look at ways to reduce fashion-related waste. There are many ideas and each of us can do his part!

SERR: What Is It?

The European Week for Waste Reduction is an initiative created with the aim of promoting awareness actions on waste reduction. The initiative targets all categories: citizens, enterprises, educational institutions, public administrations, associations, and NGOs.

The proposal aims to promote greater awareness of the excessive quantities of waste produced, but also on the need to reduce them. The actions implemented in the EWWR address “3R”, that is:

• reduce,
• reuse,
• recycle.

According to the strategy, waste reduction is the priority. Then, we move to the reuse of products and their recycling.

What are the Aims of the European Week for Waste Reduction?

In addition to promoting actions for waste reduction across Europe, the EWWR aims to raise awareness of key environmental issues by emphasizing the links between waste reduction, Sustainable development, and combating climate change.

The Focus of 2022: Textile Waste

The 2022 edition of the European Week for Waste Reduction places particular emphasis on the textile and clothing industry. This sector, together with construction, transport, and food, is one of the most polluting.

Human beings use fashion to express themselves, their personality, and their way of being. The textile and clothing sector is also a key resource for stimulating jobs and business opportunities.

However, this sector has a strong impact on land use, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. At every stage, from production to distribution, use, and post-use, the environmental impact is high.

Textiles in the European Economy

Textil is an important sector of the European economy. In 2019, Europeans spent an average of 600 euros on clothing. Use and maintenance require the use of energy and water, but also detergents, chemicals, and microfibers are released into wastewater. Once washed, therefore, tissues are responsible for about 35% of microplastics in the oceans.

Of the textile products that are then discarded, 87% are incinerated or end up in landfills, while only 10% remain on the market.

How the Problem Is Addressed

In response to this problem, the European Parliament has approved the Waste Framework Directive, which requires Member States to implement separate collection of textile waste in their cities by 2025.

The Commission’s new strategy also includes measures to support circular materials and production processes, to address the presence of hazardous chemicals, and to help consumers choose sustainable products.

The Role of the European Week for Waste Reduction

The 2022 edition, which will take place from 19th to 27th November, will therefore focus on textiles to highlight their impact on the planet but, above all, to inspire actions that will bring greater circularity in the textile sector.

The article Waste Is Out Of Fashion! was originally posted on Ecobnb.

An article published by I-news, a British magazine, analyses the impact of Airbnb on the environment and recommends alternatives, like Ecobnb.

Airbnb has revolutionized the holiday experience over the past 15 years but has had negative impacts. For example, it has favoured the gentrification of neighbourhoods and the increase of rental prices for locals.

The article, signed by journalist Laura Martin, recommends some alternative and environmentally friendly companies. This alternatives can decrease the negative impacts generated by Airbnb activity.

Among the several considered there is Ecobnb. This is a leading European platform that enables the matching of supply and demand for sustainable tourism. Ecobnb therefore allows responsible travellers to find eco-friendly accommodation and facilities.

It is a project created in 2014 to change the way of travelling and to spread the culture of sustainable and responsible tourism. A tourism that respects the environment, the economy and local communities. Ecobnb therefore proposes responsible tourism with a low environmental impact.

People who choose to travel with Ecobnb have a profound and concrete impact on the world. Travelling with Ecobnb pemits you to save water, reduce waste and carbon emissions.

In the article, I-news recommends some of the accommodations on the Ecobnb platform.

In fact, I-news recommends a stay in an organic agrotourism among the olive trees of the Torre Doganiera in Siena (€98 a night), or a catamaran on the French Riviera (€100 a night).

For further information read the full article in English on I-News at this link

The article I-news recommends Ecobnb was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Ecobnb has been nominated at the Grinn Awards 2022 as leader of slow travel in Europe and as the most sustainable OTA.

This recognition comes when Ecobnb turned 8, managing to stand out on the international scene, even with an important award ceremony from the World Tourism Organization.

Ecobnb was born in 2014 thanks to Seed Money 2014 funding from Trentino Sviluppo and the European co-financing EcoDots dedicated to sustainable tourism projects. It is a project born with the aim of revolutionizing the way of traveling. It was created with the intention of promoting sustainable tourism, respecting the environment and nature, and valorizing them.

During the years, Ecobnb’s commitment to educating consumers has been constant and assiduous and the project has grown by leaps and bounds. To support this thesis, there are some numbers that certify Ecobnb’s growth during the years. To date, the platform offers about 3,000 eco-friendly accommodations, more than half of which are in Italy. Furthermore, the company blog reaches about 2 million people every year.

Ecobnb receives certification by Grinn Awards 2022

Another confirmation of the work done and the service offered by Ecobnb arrived recently. Ecobnb in fact received official certification by GrINN Awards 2022. In particular, it has received the following certification: Europe’s Leading Travel Brand and Most Sustainable OTA.

GrINN Awards consist of travel enthusiasts and experts who have come together to recognize companies that lead the way in travel, hospitality, and sustainable tourism. They have adopted a transparent and fair evaluation process that is designed to reward accommodations based on merit. The organizer of the award is Alexander Zawadzki, co-founder of Quartz Inn Hotels. Instead, the jury consists of:

• Jakob Nader: Head of Sales at PLAZA Hotelgroup
• Cristina Castilla: customer experience expert
• Floris Licht: President Convention Bureau Event Park Amsterdam
• Lidiia Tkachenko: Co-founder of Quartz Inn Hotels

The article Ecobnb nominated as Europe’s Leading Travel Brand and Most Sustainable OTA certification from GrinnAwards was originally posted on Ecobnb.

An article published by the British newspaper The Guardian talks about some sustainable accommodations bookable through the Ecobnb platform. The article, entitled “Grand agriturismos: seven bellissimo eco-stays on Italy’s Adriatic coast“, mentions seven eco-friendly accommodations in Abruzzo and Marche. Let’s read it together..

The article published in The Guardian

The Guardian’s article recommends using the Ecobnb platform to look for sustainable lodgings and suggests seven eco-friendly accommodations located on the Adriatic coast, which journalist Liz Boulter visited in person during her trip to Italy.

We start from Abruzzo, a suggestive village reborn thanks to sustainable tourism, to go up the peninsula by stopping in beautiful organic farmhouses and bed & breakfast on the sea, up to the rolling hills of the Marche, in the place where Italian organic agriculture was born. Here are the stages of the Italian journey of Liz Boulter told in the British newspaper The Guardian:

• The Sextantio in Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo) to live a unique experience in a suggestive medieval village.
• The Agriturismo L’Aperegina in Corvara (Abruzzo), an organic farm that offers exclusive accommodations, including a room resembling a treehouse and one under the stars.
• The Relais Borgo sul Mare in Silvi (Abruzzo), is a property located in a charming village with breathtaking views of the sea.
• The Agriturismo La Curtis in Montalto delle Marche, is an old farmhouse renovated in an ecological way with full respect to the surrounding nature.
• La Coroncina in Belforte del Chienti (Marche), an organic farm offering vegan menus. This tourism accommodation allows its guests to sleep in a barrel!
• The Acanto Country House in Sirolo (Marche), renovated with recycled materials and furnished with antiques, is located inside the wonderful Conero Park.
• The Agriturismo Girolomoni in Isola del Piano (Marche), an organic farmhouse surrounded by nature, where you can visit the factory of one of the first organic pasta produced in Italy.

Agriturismo Girolomoni in Isola del Piano

The article published in The Guardian describes in more detail these seven sustainable lodgings bookable through the Ecobnb platform.

Read the article by Liz Boulter and get inspired by these seven eco-friendly accommodations!

The article The Guardian Recommends Ecobnb’s Sustainable Accommodations was originally posted on Ecobnb.

The Croatian Tourism Portal hrturizam.hr, one of the most authoritative online magazines dedicated to the world of travel in Croatia, has published an article about Ecobnb.

More and more tourists want to spend their holidays in an authentic, sustainable and responsible way, and this includes the growing demand for eco-friendly accommodation and unique and nature-friendly vacation experiences.

According to the article published on the Croatian tourism portal, Ecobnb.com is one of the first examples in Europe dedicated to this new way of traveling. The online platform that combines the offer of eco-friendly accommodation and authentic experiences of rural tourism and ecotourism, has been present on the Croatian market since 2019 and is constantly growing.

The goal is to promote green tourism and an authentic way of traveling based on respect for nature and the discovery of lesser-known destinations.

The continued growth of the green economy shows us that consumers – especially millennials and Generation Z – are turning to a sustainable lifestyle, which is also visible in tourism.

For an accommodation facility to be included in the Ecobnb.com platform, it must meet at least 5 out of 10 eco-standards that help reduce costs and improve the environmental sustainability of the facility.

It is about:

• biological food
• green building
• 100% renewable energy sources
• solar panels
• separate collection of at least 50% of waste
• ecological detergents
• car-free cleaning
• energy-saving lighting
• water reducers
• collection and reuse of rainwater.

Finally, the Ecobnb platform is focused on the market niche of ecological accommodation facilities.
Indeed, Ecobnb identifies the eco-tourism offer and connects ecologically responsible hosts with travelers looking for peace, clean air, unspoiled nature, tradition, and knowledge of the local lifestyle, all through the prism of footprint reduction of tourism carbon on the environment.

Cover image: Vishnu Presad from Unsplash

The article The Croatian Tourism Portal talks about Ecobnb was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Condé Nast Traveler, one of the most important international magazines focused on tourism, has published an article about Ecobnb in Spanish.

The article, published on April 24, titles “Ecobnb, el buscador de alojementos singulares y sostenibles“, which means “Ecobnb, the search engine for unique and sustainable accommodations”. You can read it in the Spanish digital version of the magazine, together with a wide variety of other interesting articles.

The article refers to the sustainable accommodation facilities that Ecobnb offers, not only in Italy but also from other European countries. Likewise, it indicates the requirements that accommodation must include in order to appear in the Ecobnb search engine. You can see them in more detail below:

• Organic food,
• Bio-climatic architecture
• 100% renewable energy
• More than 80% of recycling
• Solar panels
• Ecological cleaning products
• Accessibility without using the car
• Use energy-saving light bulbs
• Water-saving
• Take advantage of rainwater.

Likewise, the impact of choosing sustainable accommodation is mentioned and how Ecobnb manages to measure CO2 emissions avoided. It also highlights how the community seeks to save CO2 through tree planting. To measure the relationship between CO2 emissions and the trees they have planted, they use HowManyTrees, a project made by two engineers.

Do you want to read the full article in Spanish?  View the Condé Nast Traveler magazine article here.

The article Condé Nast Traveler International Magazine Suggests Ecobnb was originally posted on Ecobnb.

The Academic Journal Emerald Insight analyses the case of Ecobnb in a research paper about Circular Economy and Smart Tourism.

Recently, a research paper called “Circular economy business model for smart tourism: the case of Ecobnb” was published in the journal Emerald Insight. It presents the case of Ecobnb in the context of business models of Circular Economy for smart tourism.

The authors of the article are Caterina Malandungo, Pasquale Del Vecchio and Giuseppina Passiante – from the University of Salento, Lecce – in partnership with Georgia Sakka – from the University of Nicosia, Cyprus.

Tourism is facing uncertainty amid the Covid-19 pandemic. And in this context, the planning of new strategies and models of tourism management becomes key to restart after lockdown. This must also combine with innovative and sustainable approaches.

The study demonstrates that Circular Economy and Smart Tourism are essential to best manage the complexity of the current and future situation. In particular, they will have an increasingly central role in the rebuilding and development of tourism in the post-pandemic era. In fact, they could be the driving force to lead tourism towards new and thriving scenarios.

This must also blend with new strategies of tourism management and the creation of value and sustainability for tourism companies.

Circular Economy and Smart Tourism

What Exactly are Circular Economy and Smart Tourism?

The article defines a Circular Economy as an economic system that ensures its own sustainability. On the other hand, Smart Tourism refers to a kind of tourism that implies the use of information and communication technology for the improvement of the tourism industry.

The authors researched how these two concepts are inextricably intermingled with the implementation of sustainability in the field of tourism. Sustainability in this case is intended as social, economic, and environmental.

As the study demonstrates, the combination of sustainability with the former principles can lead to success in terms of economic growth and social well-being. And in this context, precisely the example of Ecobn is analysed.

Ecobnb as a Succesful Example of Circular Economy and Smart Tourism

Main Sustainability Criteria According to Ecobnb

The case of the Ecobnb community is analysed on Emerald Insight as evidence of the successful application of all these paradigms. These very approaches translate into the dynamics of continuous innovation in the business model and processes of value creation.

The research paper defines Ecobnb as “an innovative network-based company that promotes the offering of hospitality following the principles of sustainability and circular economy”.

The Key Points of the Research Paper

What are the key points of the research paper on Emerald Insight?

Purpose

The paper provides new insights into the process of value creation and business model innovation.

Methodological Approach

It includes a qualitative and exploratory approach. In particular, data refers to the integration of web-based desk analysis, interviews and social big data analytics.

Findings: practical and social implications

First, the paper proves that smart tourism and circular economy can represent two important lenses for driving tourism companies and destinations toward more sustainable and smarter value creation processes.

Thus, it presents some practical implications. These refer to the innovation of tourism management and transition of the business models towards a circular configuration.

The ultimate goal of the article is to boost awareness about the culture of sustainability in tourism management. And this is the most important social implication.

Originality and Value

The study provides an original contribution to the debate on tourism.

In fact, it highlights that especially during these times of pandemics we need a strong innovation in traditional models of management.

It also underlines that to meet the need for innovation, companies should rely on the integration of digital technologies and sustainable approaches.

In conclusion, the article on Emerald Insight represents an important viewpoint in the current debate on smart-tourism and circular economy. We need new business models, which will be able to strengthen and innovate the whole post-pandemic tourism industry.

If on the one hand lock-down has changed forever our perception of tourist infrastructures, it is also true that the principles which the study highlights could be significant not only in the perspective of a post-Covid-19 restart but also in the perspective of a future improvement of tourist facilities and destination management.

As it follows, innovation and improvement must always take place in an increasingly smart, “circular” and, above all, sustainable context.

Learn more about Circular Economy and Smart tourism by reading the full article on Emerald Insight. You can either click on this link or download the paper in pdf.

Featured image via Canva

The article According to the Academic Journal Emerald Insight, Ecobnb is an Example of Circular Economy and Smart Tourism was originally posted on Ecobnb.

This month, in the Croatian tourism and hospitality magazine Apartman Plus, it is possible to read a new article by Ecobnb. The author, Nastja Logar, gives pieces of advice to the facilities about special eco-friendly offers, the post-quarantine restart, and how to attract new guests off-season. You will find an extract of the article below. At the very end of this page, you can find the link to download two pages from Apartman Plus magazine. Enjoy the reading!

An article on the Croatian magazine Apartman Plus about Ecobnb

A new Awareness

Without sustainability there’s no future: this is what the pandemic taught us. So, we have to re-design tourism, in order to make it sustainable for the years to come. New trends have shown how today’s travelers want to be more responsible for the environment and for society. In other words, there’s more interest in eco-tourism.

The lock-down showed us, how much our reduced impact on the environment and a minimized usage of fossil-fuel have a huge positive effect on nature. For example, the presence of dolphins in Venice’s unusually clear canals. Millions of people all over the world are acknowledging the responsibilities of the human species in a matter of pollution.

New eco-tourists know what they want: quality, experience, and environmental protection. In order to persuade eco-travelers, hosts have to be creative.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Special Eco-friendly offers

A special offer is a creative way to gain the interest of new guests, but how can you do that? Here some useful tips:

1. Improve your online presence and exposure. Try to offer special packages during the year, with a particular focus on the off-season.
2. Create collaborations with local producers and restaurants. Try also to connect with a travel agency, they will help you to promote your sustainable travel offer.
3. Plan at least four original off-season offers. In addition to the stay, you can promote authentic experiences, local cuisine, cultural activities, and wellness practices.
4. Adapt your marketing to the “new normality” of things. Try to focus on these guidelines:
   • Safety – your location is out of mass-tourism paths and is reachable with a car (of course an electric one).
   • Nature – large, open, and natural landscapes are a valuable feature. There, your guests can spend their time with others or alone. Woods, forests, meadows, rivers, waterfalls, lakes and the sea, when close to your structure, are some must-see for the guests. Try to explain which activities are suitable in these places.
   • Sustainability – underline in your offer if your structure has an ecological certification, in this way you guarantee sustainability and environmental responsibility.
   • Wellness – your structure has a spa, a jacuzzi, or a sauna, highlight this feature and propose the chance to relax there after a long day in nature.
   • Authenticity – promote traditional products and services, the uniqueness of your area, and its cultural heritage. Collaborate with local producers and plan with them some welcome packages.

Some eco-friendly offers, via Ecobnb

Download here the article in pdf published on the last issue of Apartman Plus

The article Ecobnb and pieces of Advice in the magazine Apartman Plus was originally posted on Ecobnb.

You can get to know the Slovenian castles with the help of virtual reality tours. Stay in front of your device and start a virtual tour of the most famous Slovenian castles. Keep them in your heart and look forward to the day when you can get to know them to live. Let some of Slovenia enter your home, thanks to virtual reality. We have chosen for you the following Slovenian castles:

1. Predjama Castle (Predjamski grad)

Photo by Omar Sotillo Franco on Unsplash

The Castle of Predjama, built around 1200, is located a few kilometers from the Postojna Caves. It stands right at the entrance to a network of karst tunnels, on a 123-meter high rocky wall. The stronghold, directly adjacent to the mountainside, is about 9 kilometers from the city of Postojna. Predjama Castle is an intertwining of man’s work and the creativity of nature. It is one of the most famous Slovenian castles and, unique in its kind, it is among the ten most fascinating castles in the world.

A world-famous cave castle

This is the only castle in the rock in Europe and it is the largest cave castle in the world. It looks like a fairy-tale castle, embraced by rock. But the part of Predjama Castle that most fascinates visitors is the cave behind it.
The castle is open to the public and the visit allows you to discover many original pieces. You can discover the charm of medieval life. Visit the living room, the kitchen, the chapel, the prisons, and the torture room. The attic of the castle offers a wonderful view over the valley and houses a rich collection of medieval weapons and armor, from spears and halberds to swords, hammers, bows, and crossbows.

Erazem of Predjama

According to legend, the rebel knight Erazem of Predjama used tunnels and secret passages behind the Castle for his supplies. And thanks to these tunnels he withstood for more than a year to the siege of the imperial army. Erazem of Lueg is the most famous inhabitant of the castle, and he is an essential part of the history of the Castle. Although brave and almost invincible, Erazem died while he was in his personal bathroom after betrayal by his servant.

The carousel of Erazem

The Castle of Predjama every summer in July becomes the stage of the Erazem tournament of chivalry, during which knights, archers, and swordsmen show off their fighting skills. In this period, the village and inhabitants dress up in medieval clothes.

The second-longest tourist cave in Slovenia

The cave under Predjama Castle is the second-longest cave in Slovenia and extends over four floors. In summer you can visit the underground cave with its 14 km in length. The tourist section, open to the public, is 700 meters long and includes the Stables, the Main Passage, the Cave of Names, the Great Hall, and Fiženca where the access to the surface is located. Inhabited since the Stone Age, the cave also hides Roman artifacts. There is no electric lighting inside the cave, so the visit takes place with torches. Comfortable clothes and shoes are required to visit the tourist part of the cave.

For the more adventurous adrenaline lovers

The bravest visitors, adequately prepared, can visit the Erazem’s and Eastern Passages. They can also participate in a guided tour of the Wind Hole. The most adventurous visits are for those who want to visit the parts of the caves normally closed to mass visits, to experience the most difficult passages, cross the water barriers and try the experience of caving. These visits are possible on reservations for small groups, accompanied by qualified guides, and are divided into different levels of difficulty. In the winter period, the cave offers shelter to a colony of bats and, therefore, during their hibernation the cave remains closed to the public.

The Castle, inspiration for movies creators

Predjama Castle was the scene of filming of the documentary and cinematographic movies. Additionally, the Discovery Channel staff also discovered the presence of spirits.

Source: YouTube – Ghost Hunters International S01E13 Tortured Souls

You can enter your virtual tour here. 

2. Bled castle (Blejski Grad)

Photo by Joseph Gilbey on Unsplash

Bled Castle is one of the most famous Slovenian castles and it is the oldest castle in Slovenian territory. He was named for the first time in 1011, in an act of donation with his name in German form: Castellum Veldes. The castle, symbol of Bled and Slovenia, located on a very steep and imposing cliff at 130 meters, dominates the Lake Bled. The image of the castle above the lake, with the romantic islet and the church, is the characteristic of Bled known all over the world.

Bled’s beauties

Many eminent travelers have spread the fame of the beauty of Bled and its castle; for example Janez Vajkard Valvasor and his Glory of the Duchy of Carniola of 1689. Bled, thanks to its favorable position, in all historical periods has been the scene of diplomatic and protocol meetings at the highest levels. Important statesmen visited Bled Castle and enjoyed its unique panorama.

Castle buildings

The castle buildings are arranged around the courtyards on two levels, the lower and the upper ones. In the past, on the lower level, there were the service buildings, while on the upper level there were the houses. During the summer, the castle courtyard hosts numerous cultural events, including the medieval historical recalling.

The Well

In the lower courtyard, there is the well carved into the rock, 12 meters deep. There is also the Stolp gallery which houses exhibitions and the room dedicated to the museums of the Gorenjska region.

The Castle printing works

In the building for servants in the courtyard below, there is the castle printing works with a reconstructed Gutenberg’s printing machine.

The Museum

The upper courtyard houses the museum, in the baroque part of the castle, which illustrates the history of Bled.
In the museum of the castle in a showcase, there is the Bird of Paradise, a peacock-shaped brooch, one of the most beautiful findings of the 6th century. According to tradition, the peacock is a symbol of life and wealth, so much so as to populate the Garden of Eden.

Castle wine cellar

The cellar attracts visitors with tastings of its top-quality wines and a demonstration of bottling of wine from oak barrels.

The Gothic chapel

Visitors to the upper level can also see the Gothic chapel, built in the century XVI. The chapel is dedicated to the bishops St Ingenuin and St Albuin. Inside there are interesting frescoes; on the sides of the altar, there are the images of Emperor Henry II and his wife Cunegonda.

The legend of the castle widow Poliksena

Around the year 1500, the administrator of Bled castle was Hartmann Kreigh. He was not a good owner and the farmers rebelled against him by resorting to the bishop and the king. One day Master Kreigh suddenly disappeared, maybe killed by brigands. Perhaps the farmers had done justice on their own, but we’ll never know.
The widow Poliksena remained crying at the castle. She was a very sad widow, who in memory of her husband, took all the gold and silver in her chests and melted a small bell for the chapel on the Bled island. During transport, a storm broke out, and the boat with the boatmen and the bell sank. Poliksena abandoned the castle and became a nun in Rome. After hearing his tragic story, the Pope melted another bell and sent it to the island.

You can enter your virtual tour here. 

3. Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski grad)

Photo by LeDucky via Flickr

Among the most famous Slovenian castles, we find the Castle of Ljubljana. It stands on the hill above the city and is one of the symbols and major attractions of the city. Ljubljana Castle, built around the 11th century, is located on one of the most beautiful viewpoints. In the beginning, it was a defensive structure, today it is used as an important place of attraction and culture.

Viewing tower

The viewing tower, which is also the highest point in the city, is exactly 400 meters above sea level. Climb the observation tower and enjoy the most beautiful views of Ljubljana and its surroundings at 360 degrees.

Pipers’ tower

The original entrance was on the north side of the Castle. The municipal players, every day at 11 on the corridor that surrounded the tower, trumpeted by three trombones and a cornet. The players also played the role of city fireguards. When they saw a fire, they hung a red cloth during the day and a lit lamp at night.

The Gothic Castle Chapel of St George

The seventeenth-century Gothic Chapel of San Giorgio houses heraldic paintings. Try to look up, it will seem like you are traveling back in time when the aristocracy dictated the law, and for the honor, people fought and died.

The Penitentiary

Ljubljana Castle has a dark side that still hides where, in the past, there were prisons. Visit the permanent exhibition “Penitentiary” if you want to know what happened and why people ended up there.
The exhibition, located in the penalty cells, illustrates the role of the penitentiary in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The spaces, narrow and gloomy, with doors and grilles, presented in the first cell, is a prototype of the other cells. The second and third cells accommodate the chronological presentation of the penitentiary phases. In the fourth cell, there are prisoners, who appear in virtual reality (hologram). Observe the prisoner in solitary confinement through a small hole in the door and listen to the names of the prisoners. You will have the impression of being in contact with real people and events.

Exhibition “Slovenian history”

The exhibition illustrates all Slovenian history from the oldest traces of human presence in the Slovenian territory of around 200 000 years ago.

Puppet museum

In the museum, there is a permanent exhibition presenting the history of puppets in Slovenia, as well as the creation of modern puppeteers, set up by the Puppet Theater.

You can enter your virtual tour here. 

Plan future visit

Slovenia is rich in extraordinary human creations. Take part in some virtual tours of the most incredible Slovenian castles. So you can plan a future visit.

Cover image: Photo by Park Postojnska Jama web page

The article Go on a Virtual Tour of the most incredible Slovenian Castles was originally posted on Ecobnb.