The town's premier sight is this commanding castle, overlooking the settlement from a grassy hill west of Mestni trg. It dates from the 13th century and was extensively renovated after an earthquake in 1511. Today the castle houses the Loka Museum , which boasts an excellent ethnographic collection spread over two-dozen galleries on two floors.
Exhibits run the gamut from taxidermied animals to church frescoes by way of local painters, lace-making traditions and WWII partisans; English labelling can be patchy for some exhibits. In the garden, you’ll find a typical peasant house from nearby Pušta dating from the 16th century. Don't miss the four spectacular golden altars in the castle chapel . These date from the 17th century and were taken from a church destroyed during WWII in Dražgoše, northwest of Škofja Loka.
Two paths lead up to the castle from the Old Town; one starts just opposite Kavarna Homan, the other next to Martin House. A longer walking trail, the Three Castles Path , begins at the castle and travels a circular, forested path for about 5km (two hours), past the ruins of the Krancelj Tower and the Old Castle. The TIC has a brochure with map.
