Bled Castle Print Shop: The History of Printing and Primož Trubar

INTERACTIVE PRINTING EXPERIENCE

The art of castle printing

The castle printing shop at Bled Castle offers visitors a unique insight into the history of printing. Assisted by a master printer, visitors can prepare and print their own commemorative certificate on a replica of Gutenberg's printing press, experiencing firsthand a printing process that represented significant technological and cultural advancement in the second half of the 15th century.

THE INFORMATION SPREADING REVOLUTION

Center of cultural development

In the 16th century, Bled Castle represented an important center of Protestant thought. The development of printing during this period was closely linked to religious and cultural advancement. During the time when the castle's leaseholder was Herbard Auersperg of Turjak, the castle served as a significant stronghold of Protestantism. In June 1561, Primož Trubar, one of Slovenia’s most important cultural figures who established the Slovenian literary language, visited the castle. Trubar is also renowned as the author of the first two Slovenian books, Catechism (Katekizem) and Primer (Abecednik), which were printed in 1550 in Tübingen using Gutenberg's original printing presses, laying the foundation for Slovenian literacy.

MEMORIAL ROOM AT BLED CASTLE

The significance of Primož Trubar

Above the castle printing house is a memorial room dedicated to Primož Trubar, a key figure in the history of the Slovene language. The room showcases his achievements and highlights the importance of his contribution to the development of the Slovene language and literary tradition. In October 2021, a commemorative plaque was installed on the printing house facade to mark Trubar’s visit to the castle and the remarkable cultural legacy he left behind.

Symbol of the revolution in printing

At Bled Castle, you can see a replica of one of the most significant inventions in human history—Gutenberg’s printing press, marking a groundbreaking moment in the development of printing and the global spread of literacy.

GERMAN INNOVATION THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Gutenberg printing press

Johannes Gutenberg, a 15th-century German inventor, revolutionized the production of books and other printed texts through his invention of the printing press. This innovation drastically reduced printing costs and increased book accessibility, significantly contributing to the spread of knowledge and information. The printing press, utilizing movable metal type, enabled quick and efficient printing and helped shape the world as we know it today.

AN IMPORTANT STEP FOR EUROPEAN LITERACY AND THE SPREAD OF IDEAS

Revolution in information

Gutenberg’s printing press had an invaluable impact on the spread of literacy across Europe and the world. It enabled the faster distribution of ideas, texts, and religious, philosophical, and scientific writings, significantly influencing the development of the book industry and publishing. Printing marked the beginning of a revolution in information dissemination and education by making literature and ideas more accessible to the broader public.

REPLICA OF GUTENBERG'S PRINTING PRESS

Symbol of the revolution in printing

At Bled Castle, you can see a replica of one of the most important inventions in human history – Gutenberg’s printing press. This invention marked a pivotal moment in the development of printing and the spread of literacy around the world. The replica allows visitors to observe the printing process as it was at the time of its invention. Visitors can print their own commemorative document and experience a key moment in the history of printing that enabled the spread of knowledge and the shaping of modern literacy.