The Medieval Church on Slovenia’s Emerald Lake (Video)
Situated approximately 30 miles from Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana, a captivating alpine lake graces the landscape. Lake Bled, adorned with a picturesque cliff-side castle, offers a serene ambiance against the backdrop of the Julian Alps. At the heart of the lake lies an island hosting the medieval Assumption of Mary Church. Accessible via a traditional wooden boat known as a "pletna," the church awaits atop the island, reached by ascending a staircase of 99 stone steps.
Notably, the journey up these steps holds a unique tradition—an aspiring groom's ability to carry his bride to the church's entrance is said to foreshadow a joyful marriage. The church's famed bell, dating back to the 16th century and reputedly gifted by the Pope, resonates with historical significance. An intriguing narrative surrounds the sunken predecessor of this bell, resting in the lake's depths after an unexpected storm. This island enclave, defined by its natural allure and cultural heritage, remains an indelible landmark of Slovenia.
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Top image: Assumption of Mary Church on Lake Bled Island, Slovenia. Source: zgphotography / Adobe Stock.
