The Church of the Assumption of Mary, also known as the Church on Bled Island, is a stunning and historic landmark located on a small island in the middle of the picturesque Lake Bled in Slovenia. This captivating church has captured the hearts of visitors from around the world, drawing them to its serene and picturesque setting.
The Fascinating History of Bled Island and Its Church
The history of Bled Island and its church dates back to the prehistoric period and the early Slavic settlement. Archaeologists have discovered traces of an ancient Slavic cult area on the island, dating back to the early Middle Ages. In the 9th to 11th centuries, 124 graves with skeletons were found on the island, which can now be viewed through a glass window in the church.
The first brick-built church on the island was consecrated in 1142 by the Aquileia patriarch Pellegrino. Over the centuries, the church has undergone several renovations and reconstructions, including a Gothic-style rebuild in the 15th century and a Baroque-style restoration in the 17th century after it was damaged by earthquakes.
The Architectural Splendor of the Church
The current church structure has been preserved since the 17th century and is a true architectural marvel. The church features a 52-meter tower and a Baroque stairway with 99 stone steps leading up to the building. The interior of the church is equally impressive, with well-preserved frescoes in the presbytery and a wooden statue of the Mother Divine, which likely adorned the main altar.
The Picturesque Location of the Church
The Church of the Assumption of Mary is located on Bled Island, a small tear-shaped isle in the middle of the stunning Lake Bled. The island is only accessible by man-powered rowboats called Pletnas, adding to the enchanting and secluded atmosphere of the church.
Visiting the Church: Cost and Hours
Visitors to the Church of the Assumption of Mary can expect to pay an entrance fee of 6 EUR. The church is open from 9 am to 7 pm from May to September and from 10 am to 5 pm from October to April.
Contact Information
If you’re planning a visit to the Church on Bled Island, here’s the contact information you’ll need:
Address: Otok 3, 4260 Bled, Slovenia
Phone: +386 4 574 11 22
Email: [email protected]
Conclusion
The Church of the Assumption of Mary on Bled Island is a true gem of Slovenia, offering visitors a unique and enchanting experience. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and picturesque location, it’s no wonder this church has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, a visit to the Church on Bled Island is sure to leave a lasting impression.
References
- Wikipedia. (2021). Lake Bled. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Bled
- Finestayslovenia.com. (2015). Church on an Island in the middle of Lake Bled. Retrieved from https://finestayslovenia.com/whattosee/church-island-lake-bled/
- Travelslovenia.org. (2021). All You Need To Know To Visit The Church On Bled Island. Retrieved from https://travelslovenia.org/bled-island-church/
- Tripadvisor.com. (2021). Church of the Assumption, Bled. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g274863-d277368-Reviews-Church_of_the_Assumption-Bled_Upper_Carniola_Region.html
- Bled.si. (2021). Church of the Mother of God on the Lake. Retrieved from https://www.bled.si/en/what-to-see-do/attractions/17/church-of-the-mother-of-god-on-the-lake/.