Bled island Turizem
About us
Lake Bled is a glacial formation that dates back tens of thousands of years, while the island as we know it today has been shaped by people throughout several centuries. Certain archaeological discoveries indicate that the island could have been settled as early as in the New Stone Age (the Neolithic), but the first definite signs of settlement date back to the 7th century BC. Later, a small church was built on the island and dedicated to the Birth of Mary; over the centuries, it was expanded and eventually became the pilgrimage church of the Mother of God on the Lake. The Bled estate was a gift to the bishops of Brixen from Emperor Henry II in 1004. The bishops of Brixen retained the land until 1688, when the church passed to the Ljubljana Diocese.
During the course of archaeological research conducted on Bled Island in the 1960s, the existence of several wooden dwellings was confirmed; the most important find was a large burial ground with over a hundred graves from the 8th and 9th centuries AD. The many items uncovered in the individual graves all point to the existence of an early Slavic cemetery and settlement that belonged to the Köttlach culture.
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The same period also saw the construction of a small church, initially dedicated to the Birth of Mary. Originally a wooden chapel, it was later rebuilt into a church with an oblong nave with a flat ceiling and a semi-circular apse. The first written mention of the chapel dates back to 1185, by which time it is likely to have had two naves or more. It is assumed that the church was expanded by the bishops of Brixen, who had been granted the estate by Henry II in 1004. Thanks to further gifts up to the year 1073, the bishops eventually came to own a large estate in the Gornjesavinska dolina valley.
The bishops would choose one from their ranks – usually the oldest canon of the Brixen Bishopric – to serve as provost on the island. It was the provost's duty to perform worship in the church every Sunday, on church holidays and twice during the week. Since the provost didn't live in Bled, the curate (the provost's assistant, confirmed by the Brixen ordinary's office) would act as his substitute.
Bled Island was a frequent cause of conflict between the Brixen bishops and Aquileia, since all territory south of the Drava river belonged to the Patriarchate of Aquileia. The conflict was initially resolved in favour of the Brixen Bishopric in mid-15th century, However, after the founding of the Ljubljana Diocese in 1461 disputes with Brixen continued until 1688, when the church on Bled Island finally passed into the hands of the Ljubljana Diocese.
Blejski otok
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Potičnica
Visit the Bled Island POTIČNICA and discover traditional Slovenian POTICA in a variety of flavours. Choose from our range of potica for a special treat at weddings, business meetings, holidays and other occasions.
...Ogled ponudbePotičnica
Visit the Bled Island POTIČNICA and discover traditional Slovenian POTICA in a variety of flavours. Choose from our range of potica for a special treat at weddings, business meetings, holidays and other occasions.
Displaying of preparing POTICA – Slovenian tipical cake for prearranged groups.
POTICA – a traditional pastry, is a must for every holiday in Slovenia, be it Christmas, Easter or a family celebration. Since Slovenia boasts a wealth of culturally diverse regions with a variety of culinary traditions, there is a whole range of potica pastries to be found here, from simple nut rolls to veritable masterpieces with lavish fillings. The filling for this exquisite pastry is entirely up to the baker and his or her creativity – there are as many delicious potica recipes as there are housewives and cooks. And the little secrets that are so important for making a good potica are passed down through generations.
Walnut potica is the most common and popular type; traditionally it should be baked inside a bread oven in a POTIČNICA – a round, clay baking dish, usually handmade and modelled on the crown of Jesus Christ. This is how the most delicious potica pastries are baked.
This is also the method we use for the pastries we bake for you every day in the POTIČNICA ON BLED ISLAND. Made with endless love and care, our potica pastries are something we are very proud of. Why not turn your visit with us into a holiday? Welcome and enjoy your potica!
Hotel
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Old Parish House offers accommodation in Bled, 100 metres from Bled Lake and right next to the Church of Saint Martin. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free...
Ogled ponudbeHotel
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Old Parish House offers accommodation in Bled, 100 metres from Bled Lake and right next to the Church of Saint Martin. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free private parking is available on site.
Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV. Every room includes a private bathroom. Extras include slippers, free toiletries and a hair dryer.
There is a gift shop at the property.
This bed and breakfast has ski storage space and bike hire is available. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including cycling and hiking. Bled Castle is 300 metres from Old Parish House, while The Bled Island is 1 km from the property. Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport is 31 km away.
Sales gallery
Slovenian art handicrafts serve as a living reminder of the heritage of our past and present. Talented artisans have preserved the tradition of making useful and decorative objects from natural materials – wood,...
Ogled ponudbeSales gallery
Slovenian art handicrafts serve as a living reminder of the heritage of our past and present. Talented artisans have preserved the tradition of making useful and decorative objects from natural materials – wood, clay, wool, linen thread, fabrics, honey, wax and metals. Most of these objects are one-of-a-kind. Made by hand, they represent a bond between tradition and contemporary creativity. Traditional artisanal handicrafts have been updated to create modern and fashionable products. They were devised by renowned Slovenian designers and made by manufacturers with many years of tradition and certificates of quality. Slovenian art is without a doubt the best representative of the Slovenian soul. Slovenian artists and their works have been given a place of honour on Bled Island.
The sales gallery on Bled Island has been established to give visitors from near and far the opportunity to discover and experience Slovenia's tradition, modern design and art.
Weddings
Catholic weddings: on Saturdays at 13:00 and 17:00 or by agreement.
Evangelical weddings: on Fridays at 15:00 and 17:00 or by agreement.
Orthodox wedding...
Ogled ponudbeWeddings
Catholic weddings:
on Saturdays at 13:00 and 17:00 or by agreement.
Evangelical weddings:
on Fridays at 15:00 and 17:00 or by agreement.
Orthodox weddings:
by agreement.
Worship
A Holy Mass can be requested online or in person in the Bled Parish office every Monday from 8:00 to 10:00.
The following additional times are available: every day at 7:30 by prior agreement with the Bled Pa...
Ogled ponudbeWorship
A Holy Mass can be requested online or in person in the Bled Parish office every Monday from 8:00 to 10:00.
The following additional times are available: every day at 7:30 by prior agreement with the Bled Parish.
Heritage
Church of the Mother of God on the Lake
A small church dedicated to the Birth of Mary was built on the island as early as in the 8th century. Initially a wooden chapel, it was eventually expan...
Ogled ponudbeHeritage
- Church of the Mother of God on the Lake
A small church dedicated to the Birth of Mary was built on the island as early as in the 8th century. Initially a wooden chapel, it was eventually expanded into a church that was later rebuilt several times. The original Romanesque style was replaced by Gothic features in the mid-15th century. Major restoration projects were required after two earthquakes, the first in 1511 and the second in 1622. The Baroque features that we know today were added in the late 17th century.
- Frescoes
In addition to the windows, other Gothic features in the church include the picturesque frescoes in the Gothic presbytery that has been renovated in the Baroque style. Depicting images from the life of Mary, only fragments have survived on the northern wall, while the frescoes on the southern wall have been preserved in full.
- Paintings
The altar oil paintings date back to the second half of the 17th century, the organ was made in 1639 and the Stations of the Cross were created in the Late Baroque period.
- Altars
The only piece of Gothic equipment to have been preserved in the church is a statue of Mary from the 15th century. Everything else, including the pulpit, was added in the Baroque period. The gilded main altar dates back to 1747, with ornaments typical of the 17th century. The remaining three stone altars were made in 1699.
- The Wishing Bell
The wishing bell has always been very dear to the many pilgrims and visitors that come to the island. By ringing the bell, they commend themselves to the Mother of God in the hope that their wishes will be fulfilled.
- Bell Tower with a View
The bell tower houses one large and two smaller bells. The lower part of the tower dates back to the Gothic period while the middle section was rebuilt after the 1511 earthquake. The bell tower was completely renovated in 1680.
- Southern Stone Steps
The famous 17th century stone steps give the southern side of the island its characteristic appearance. On his wedding day, many a groom climbs the 99 wide steps from the island shore to the church carrying the bride in his arms.
- Provost's House
In the past, the large building by the church was intended for priests and the sexton, as well as for housing pilgrims.
- Sexton's House
In the early 18th century, the sexton moved to a new building, the Sexton's House, which is situated next to the southern steps. Today, the Provost's House and the Sexton's House are linked by a building designed in the second half of the 20th century and named Potičnica in 2012.
- Hermitage
On the other side of the island, behind the church, there is a small building known as the Hermitage. This is where the hermit priest would pray and work.
- Northern Stone Steps
Situated next to the Hermitage, the northern stone steps lead down to the shore. The northern stone steps and the Hermitage date back to the first half of the 17th century.
- The Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes by the Spring
A small stream springs on the north shore and flows into the lake. A stone chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes was built on this spot in 1888.
Company gallery
