Kraj Podbrezje

Podbrezje

Anti-turkish "Tabor"
The Tabor in Podbrezje

‘Tabors’ (fortified refuges used during Turkish raids) were built in Gorenjska from 1470 onwards, until the first decades of the 16th century. Most were built around churches. Upper Carniola was not as exposed to Turkish incursions as other parts of Slovenia, although more than thirty tabors have been located (ruins or partially conserved).

The Tabor in Podbrezje

The Podbrezje tabor was built after 1470. The Turks visited during their expeditions across Upper Carniola and on into Carinthia. They besieged it most heavily in the years 1476 and 1477, which is when people suffered the worst atrocities.

The creation of the tabor was without a doubt conditioned by the favourable natural position on an elevation in the middle of a plain, affording a view in all directions. The Podbrezje tabor is among the smaller tabors. The walls surrounding the church are irregularly-shaped walls on two levels with a roofed parapet walk and a defence tower. The walls are pierced by loopholes. The defence tower defended the entrance into the tabor. On the western side the tabor was fortified by a moat and dyke. Entrance to the tabor was over a drawbridge. This was also where they stored valuables, food and live stock.

Author: Jožef Perne