Must-See Sights in Medieval Skofja Loka, Slovenia

Skofja Loka, Slovenia is a fun and fascinating destination – especially for travelers who enjoy historic places, quaint villages and stunning scenery. The small town dates to the year 973 and sits at the confluence of two rivers. With a smattering of appealing squares and a hill-topping castle, visitors can easily spend a half day discovering the sights in Skofja Loka. 

 

Tips for Visiting Skofja Loka, Slovenia

Though earthquakes, fire and war have marked the city, Skofja Loka remains one of the best preserved Medieval towns in Slovenia. Top places to see in Skofja Loka are Plac Square (in the Upper Town), Spodnji Square (in the Lower Town), the Castle of Skofja Loka and the Old Town Walls, which were built to the protect the city in the 14th century. One of the best things to do in Skofja Loka is to tour the area on foot. 

 

Getting to Skofja Loka

Skofja Loka is located just 15 miles northwest of Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. The two cities are well connected by public buses, making it one of the Best Day Trips from Ljubljana. Note that there is also a Skofja Loka train station, but it’s almost 2 miles from Old Town. 

By using our guide, it is easy to find the top Skofja Loka attractions, but visitors can opt to join a tour. We highlight some of the best tours later in the article. 

 

Skofja Loka Sightseeing

Our Self Guided Walking Tour in Skofja Loka features the top sights – and walking directions on how to reach each location. Additionally, we provide a map to help visitors easily find each attraction. 

 

Visit Skofja Loka Main Square

From the bus stop, cross the bridge into Cankarjev trg and continue straight into the main square, Mestni trg. Pick up a very useful map from the Tourist Information Center and then find a seat at the the Homan House Café (Kavarna Homan) to get your bearings. Over a cup of bela kava (white coffee, similar to a latte), review the route to see the top Skofja Loka sights.

 

Things To See in Skofja Loka Main Square

The Homan House is one of the historic buildings on Mestni trg. Built as a civil manor house, Homan House was restored in 1529 after the big 1511 earthquake, which destroyed much of the town.

Other notable buildings on Mestni trg include the Old Parson’s House, the residence of a wealthy townsman; the Zigon House, a residential and trade house now used by the local government; and the Old Town Hall.

The Skofja Loka Old Town Hall, which served as a meeting place for the local government, was built in the 16th century. In 1972, the building underwent restoration, at which time original frescoes and other details were discovered. When a fire damaged the building in 2014, it was restored to look as it once did, including frescoes and the small bell tower.

Two other things to see on the Skofja Loka main square are the Mark of Mary and the stone fountain. The Mark of Mary, the three columns and altar that face the Old Town Hall, were erected to give thanks for protecting Skofja Loka from the plague and fire. The statues date to 1751.

The stone fountain, which is directly in front of the Tourist Information Office, was built in 1883. It’s still in use…for those who can figure out how to turn it on. (We’ll let you in on the secret: use the palm of your hand to rub the wall below the faucet.)

 

Castle of Skofja Loka, Slovenia

Continue south through Mestni trg and turn right at the Martin House, one of the historic homes remaining from the origins of Skofja Loka. The house was built as part of the town walls, a length of which still stands.

Follow the path and walk up to the Skofja Loka Castle. Parts of the castle, like the original tower (which no longer stands) were built as early as the 13th century, with additions of residential quarters being added in the 14th century.

The castle suffered major damage during the 1511 earthquake and has been renovated several times since. The castle now houses the Museum of Skofja Loka. A path through the castle grounds (opposite the parking lot) passes a historic mill house, a garden, a barn and an outdoor theater.

From the arched entrance to the fortification, take the path leading up to Krancelj Hill where the Skofja Loka Upper Tower once stood. Built in the 12th century and used as a lookout tower, only remains of the foundation are visible today.

 

Capuchin Church and Skofja Loka Bridge

Make your way back to the castle, but rather than retracing your steps into town, turn left on the path below the castle to Klobovsova, then turn left…and then left again at The Church of Mary Immaculate. Also known as the Nun’s Church, it was built in 1358, but was remodeled to the current design in 1669.

Unfortunately, the church was closed during our visit, so we missed the interior. Even if it is closed, pop into the small chapel built into the staircase below the main entrance, which was decorated with lit candles and colorful lanterns.

Now, with your back to the chapel, walk straight onto Blazeva toward the arched passageway, called The Selca Town Gate, which was once the most important of the five entrances. Pass through the gate onto Capuchin Bridge, a 600-year-old stone bridge.

Take in the views from the bridge and note the statue. In 1888, the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, which bears the seal of Skofja Loka, was added to the bridge, along with the iron rails. Continue crossing over the bridge and walk to the Capuchin Church. Built in 1709, it is fairly plain, but has interesting altars. 

 

Cankarjev trg Skofja Loka

Re-enter the old town through the Selca Town Gate (the same way you left). If you are ready for a rest, make a stop at Bar Lunca for a beverage. Depart via the Bar Lunca patio and turn left down the alley to Cankarjev trg.

The small square is dominated by the Church of St. Jacob, also called the Parish Church. Built in the 13th century, it has endured several expansions, reconstructions and remodels since. The current interior is attributed to Joze Plecnik, the Slovene architect who designed many of the architectural gems in Ljubljana.

Leaving the church and walking along the right side, pass by the old school house, which dates to 1538.

 

Spodnji Square

Continue down the sloping sidewalk to Spondnji trg. Across the street to the left find The Granary, a stone building which was once part of the town walls. It was in this building that taxes – in the form of grains – were collected and stored.

Walking south on Spodnji trg (opposite direction of the river), pass the row of colorful houses before reaching the Church of Spital. Built in 1710, the church was built as part of the town’s former poorhouse. 

Turn left down the street just past the church and make your way to the confluence of the two rivers, Poljanska Sora and Selska Sora. Walk onto the footbridge that crosses where the rivers merge and take in the gorgeous scenery.

From the bridge, retrace your steps to the Church of Spital, cross over Spodnji trg into the alley and up the curving staircase, which takes you right back to Mestni trg.

 

Riverside Restaurant in Skofja Loka

After your Self Guided Skofja Loka Walking Tour, make your way to the riverside and dine at Jesharna Restaurant. An Italian restaurant, Jesharna is known for their pizza and pasta dishes – and reasonable prices. Best of all, the patio overlooks the river and is the perfect spot to watch as the sun drops behind the Capuchin Bridge!

---

 

Map of Skofja Loka, Slovenia

Use this link to Google for an online version of our Skofja Loka Map below.

---

 

Top Tips for Your Skofja Loka Trip

We have shared with you what to do in Skofja Loka, Slovenia, but we have a few more tips that will help you plan your trip. 

 

Skofja Loka Tours

We thought it was fairly simple to plan our own day trip to Skofja Loka from Ljubljana, but guided tours might offer better insight to the history of the town and region. We are highlighting a few of the best tours in Skofja Loka. 

 

Ebike Tour in Skofja Loka

Visitors who want to see more than just the Old Town in Skofja Loka can join a highly rated Ebike Tour. The guide leads participants through the surrounding forested region and then completes the trip with a guided tour of town. Get the details! 

 

Full Day Excursion to Multiple Top Slovenia Sights

On a full day trip from Ljubljana, see some of the top sights in Slovenia – including the lovely Lake Bled, beautiful Lake Bohinj, gorgeous Vintgar Gorge and splendid Skofja Loka. Reserve this Tour!

 

Skofja Loka Outdoor Escape Game

Make your trip to Skofja Loka a bit more interesting by participating in an exciting outdoor escape game. On this adventure, participants use clues to solve puzzles while learning about the town and history. Find out More!

 

What You Will Need for Your Slovenia Trip

Ready to go to Skofja Loka, Slovenia? We don’t blame you! Don’t forget these essentials for your visit.

 

Proper Walking Shoes

As we mentioned, it is best to tour Skofja Loka on foot – so you will want to wear a pair of lightweight and comfortable travel shoes for your trip.

 

Travel Camera

Skofja Loka is such a picturesque place!  Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual travel camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel, which takes amazing photos and is a great budget camera.

 

Versatile Day Pack

Day trippers will most certainly want to carry a good travel bag for their excursion. We like to wear small backpacks that have zippered compartments and are big enough to stow everything we need for the day. 

 

Travel Insurance for Europe

If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

 

Start planning your trip to Slovenia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

More Slovenia Travel Destinations

Slovenia is a small country – and travelers can easily get around to the top destinations on Ljubljana Day Trips by using public transportation. Use our guides below to help decide where else to go in Slovenia!

• What To See in the Seaside Town of Piran
• Visiting Marvelous Maribor
• A Day Trip to Kranj
• Spend a Day at Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle
• See the Skocjan Cave and Divaca
• Climb up the Celje Castle
• Discover Bela Krajina

 

 

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.