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

INTERACTIVE PRINTING EXPERIENCE

The art of castle printing

The castle printing works at Bled Castle offers visitors a unique insight into the history of printing, providing an interactive experience with a replica of Gutenberg’s printing press. Guided by a professional printing master, visitors can independently print a commemorative document, experiencing firsthand the printing process that once represented a major technological and cultural advancement.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF PRINTING AT BLED CASTLE

Center of cultural development

In the 16th century, Bled Castle was an important center of Protestant thought, where printing was closely tied to religious and cultural development. During the tenure of Herbard Auersperg of Turjak as the castle’s leaseholder, the castle served as a stronghold of Protestantism. In June 1561, the castle was visited by Primož Trubar, one of Slovenia’s most significant cultural pioneers, who laid the foundation for the Slovene literary language. Trubar is also known as the author of the first two Slovene books, Katekizem, or Catechismus, and Abecedarij, Abecedary, which were printed in Tübingen in 1550 on original Gutenberg printing presses and represent the foundation of Slovene 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 important inventions in human history – Gutenberg’s printing press, whose invention marked a groundbreaking moment in the development of printing and the spread of literacy around the world.

GERMAN INNOVATION THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Gutenberg printing press

Johannes Gutenberg, a 15th-century German inventor, made mass production of books and other printed texts possible with his invention of the printing press. This invention drastically reduced printing costs and increased the accessibility of books, contributing to the spread of knowledge and information. The printing press, which used movable metal type, enabled fast and efficient printing and helped transform the world as we know it today.

IMPORTANCE 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 faster distribution of ideas, texts, and religious, philosophical, and scientific writings, significantly influencing the development of the book industry and publishing. Printing began to revolutionize communication and education by increasing access to literature and spreading ideas to a 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.