The castle was a possession of diocese of Krško and the lords of the castle were knights
of Ranšperk, ministerials of Krško. First indirect mentioning of the castle is in 1189
when as a witness of bishop of Krško Odalskalk (Ulšalk?) is mentioned (Vlscalcus iunior
de Rabensperch). Designation iunior means that he was a representative of at
least the second generation of knights, owning Ranšperk.
The castle is not explicitly mentioned until 1355, and then as Rabensperch das alt
haws, the following year as haws Rabensperch in dem Sevntal and in 1338 as
die vest Rabensperch. But undoubtedly the castle was standing at least in the 12th
century.
Beside Odalskalk in documents from the end of the 12th century also appear his father
Bertold, in 1192 named Perchtoldus de Rauensberch and in 1197 together with him brother
Engelskalk (Perchtoldus et filius eius Engelscalcus de Rabensperch). Later beside the
listed also appear in 1224 Ortolf (Ortolfus de Rauensperch), in 1228 together with
already known Odalskalk his companion Herman (Wlscalcus et miles suus Hermannus in
Rauensperch). In 1279 the Ranšperk castle together with Lemberg, of which Hartnid from
Guštanj renounced, goes formally into feud to Friderik of Ptuj. Lords of Ptuj remained in
feudal possession of both castles until they died out in 1438 and they along with Dobrna rounded
up the property of lords of Ptuj north from Celje. At the end of 13th century lords of Ranšperk
returned to the castle as secondary vassals of Ptuj and remain there until they die out in 1388
when no one carries the name by the castle anymore (according to I.Stopar lineage of Ranšperk
dies out around 1360). I.Stopar also states that the estate of Ranšperk was sold to Friderik
of Ptuj by Heinczel Vrezzner in 1335.
After the death of Friderik of Ptuj, who was the last male descendant of lords of Ptuj,
Ranšperk estate was inherited by his daughter Ana who married Ivan of Schaunberg. Lords of
Schaunberg were also in possession of Lemberg pri Novi Cerkvi. As a caretaker of the castle
Gašper Fayst is mentioned in 1443. Lords of Schaunberg were followers of provincial prince
and thus enemies of Counts of Celje. Because of Schaunberg's loyalty to Habsburg family
lords of Celje burned down (demolished) Ranšperk together with Lemberg pri Novi Cerkvi in
1452. From the end of the 60s of 15th century the castle is already refered to
as site of antient fort (purkhstal - abandoned castle). In contrast with Lemberg
pri Novi Cerkvi this castle was not reconstructed again.
In eastern Carniola a castle with similar name is located (Rabensberk) which was
maybe built by Bertold III. of Ranšperk. Independent branch carried the name of the castle
between 1301 and 1368 and had similar coat of arms as lords of Ranšperk.
Folk tradition tells a story of suspension bridge of tanned ox skins between the castle
and present hilltop Likastok of Strgar's top. Because of the leather bridge it was
originally called "Leder štok". The second legends talks of paved roads between the castle
and Strgar's top on which the castle gentlefolk were promenading. Between both tops
supposedly there were gorgeous castle gardens. Beneath the castle a big cave was located
and its purpose is unsure, later it was filled-up by the peasants.
Analysis of the photographs is unfortunately impossible due to humble remains of the walls.
Most preserved is southern defence wall. While making a tour round the castle we cannot
miss the visible rocky barrier, which are witnesses of the fact that the walls were mostly
leaned on the rock which was in some parts skillfully worked. Author of the first four
photographs is Matjaž Založnik.
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Literature: |
Stopar, Ivan, Dr.: "Grajske stavbe v vzhodni Sloveniji - Spodnja Savinjska dolina", Založna Park, Ljubljana, 1992
Kos, Dušan, Dr.: "Vitez in Grad", Založba ZRC, ZRC SAZU, 2005, ISBN 961-6500-82-1
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Defence wall on the western side of the top
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Southern hillside of the top
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A bit sinked area west from the castle; maybe filled-up
once deep cavern for which an exact location is unfortunately not provided
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Mountain point
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Far south defence wall, which is most preserved
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