The settlement is located in the traditional region of White Carniola (Bela Krajina, part of Lower Carniola). It lies between the Kočevje Rog Plateau and the Gorjanci range of the Žumberak Mountains to the northeast. The slopes of the Gorjanci Hills are used for wine growing.
The settlement was first mentioned in the 13th century when White Carniola down to the Kolpa River was colonized by Slovene and German (Gottschee) peasants. It gets its name from Semenič Castle, which used to stand on a hill above the settlement.
Part of the Carniolan county of Metlika, Semič was part of the Imperial Duchy of Carniola from 1364 onwards. Incorporated into the Habsburg Monarchy, it was attacked by Ottoman forces several times; the settlement and its fortified church were destroyed in 1547.
Smuk Castle
The ruins of Smuk Castle lie on the western side of the plateau on Smuk Hill above Semič. They are overgrown with dense undergrowth and shrubs. At individual sites, the perimeter and partition walls retained their original height. The preserved walls show that the castle was a one-story building, the walls of which were joined only by upright rectangular window openings and a semi-circularly completed entrance portal on the south side of the building. On the south side of the castle ruins, undergrowth and shrubs overgrow the humble remains of two outbuildings.
Smuk Castle or Smočki castle with its walls were built by the owners of Semenič castle in the first half of the 16th century. The founder of Smuk was Oton Semenič, who was mentioned in a document during the division of the Seminary estate in 1541. The castle and its surroundings suffered much from the attacks of the Uskoks.
According to tradition, the lords of Smuk Castle were known for their cruelty. The oppressed people had to pave with stone slabs a very steep path to the castle and to carry the castle gentlemen to the valley. In 1846 it passed into the possession of the country councilor Martin Kuralt, against whom one of the last peasant revolts in Slovenia was directed. Judging by the preserved ruins and architectural elements, the castle was built in the Renaissance period, perhaps shortly after 1550.
(Wikipedia)
Aerial views are Google Maps
Негізгі бет Semič
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