The chapel is one of the oldest parts of Ljubljana Castle.
According to the emperor’s document from 1489 the chapel was consecrated to St. George, St. Pancras and the emperor Helena. The original chapel entrance was on the northern side, leading up thirteen steps, which are still in use today. Later the entrance to the chapel was from the southern side. The original Gothic chapel had open roofing, four Gothic pointed windows and an emporium, where the noblemen attended holy mass. It was rebuilt in Baroque style, and 1747 painted with the coat of arms of the land governors. The function of province governors enters the historical scene accompanied by the formation of the provinces at the end of the 13th century. In Habsburg lands they represent the person acting as substitute to the province duke and as a military commander of the army and chairman of the province.*
In the 16th century, the governors changed every two to five years; only later did this service become permanent. Among the names are also Herman and Ulrik the count of Celje, Henrik count of Gorica, Devin noblemen, representatives of family Turjak (Auersperg), etc. The ceiling also contains the coat of arms for the provinces Carniola and Istria, Slovenian marks and five Austrian rulers. Only rarely do we come across paintings with secular content in churches, therefore this chapel is truly a European pearl. During the last renovation (1992), the original Gothic painting was discovered – borders around the altars, entrance and window openings. The walls display dedicatory crucifixes in Gothic style, symbolising the Stations of the Cross.*
* From the Ljubljana Castle guide book.
You have done well with the detail on the ceilings, Cherie – always difficult at those angles
Thanks Lisl, I was pleased with the way they came out
The colours! The colours!
They are vibrant
>five Austrian rulers
Oh that must be the black eagles in the coats of arms!
It’s very German, I mean Austrian kinda thing.
Have you been to Shrewsbury Castle?
There’s a golden eagle, captured from the German troops, in the garden.
I have been to Shrewsbury castle. Mr C’s picture used to be on the wall in there