There are 32 known species of bats in Europe, and 30 can be found in Slovenia – nine at the Rihemberk castle.

"The most important are the greater horseshoe bat and the Geoffroy's bat, with large nursery at the castle. Usually a female has only one young, rarely, two, and cares for them. Occasionally a group of young greater horseshoe bats can be found, with some adult female bats next to them, which is a rarity – the young bats are pressed together, while other bats take the role of nannies," biologist Klavdij Bajc from the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation explained.

The bats have chosen for their home the basement of the northern hall, and the stable at the southern part of the castle. Usually they stay there in summer, during the whelping period. Their number keeps changing: "This year there are between 200 to 300 Geoffroy's bats, and 150 greater horseshoe bats, females without the young, and every year we get ten young horseshoe bats."
It is one of the largest populations of the species in the Primorje region, so it is very important to preserve it here. But it will be necessary to pay attention at bats at renovation of the castle, and its programme. "The programmes and the manner of renovation of the castle must be adapted to bats, their environments must be respected, as there is enough space," Nataša Kolenc from the City Municipality of Nova Gorica explained.
Visitors admire the medieval castle
The municipality of Nova Gorica is the owner of the oldest and the largest castle of the Primorje region, which reopened its doors after more than a decade. This year the most urgent maintenance work was performed by the municipality. For that reason, the visitors have free access to the castle only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Most of the visitors are very impressed.
D. S., Ksenija Černuta, TV Slovenija, Nataša Uršič, Radio Koper; translated by G. K.