PODSREDA CASTLE
Exceptional history, a place of culture and art. Podsreda Castle.
In the heart of the Orlica Hills and Kozjansko Park, just 5 km from the square in Podsreda, stands what is often called “the most castle-like of all the castles in Slovenia.” Built in the first half of the 12th century and first mentioned in written sources in 1213, Podsreda Castle rises proudly above centuries of history.
The castle stands on land that around the year 1000 belonged to Countess Emma of Krka and the Breža–Seliška estate. It later passed to her monastery in Krka and the Diocese of Krka. In the first half of the 14th century, Frideric of Žovnek purchased the castle, and it remained in the possession of the Counts of Celje until their line died out, after which it became ducal property.
Over the centuries, the castle’s leaseholders and caretakers changed frequently until Count Sigmund Tattenbach acquired it in 1617 as his permanent and hereditary estate. Before 1848, it was purchased by Prince Weriand Windischgrätz, who gave the castle much of its present-day appearance. After the Second World War, the castle became state property. Today, it is owned by the Municipality of Kozje and has been managed by Kozjansko Park since 1983.
In the oldest part of the castle, visitors can admire a permanent art exhibition by France Slana, featuring works from various periods of the artist’s career.
In memory of St. Ema, her memorial room has been arranged, as the castle is one of the points on Ema's pilgrimage route, which connects places associated with the life and work of Ema Krška.
The former castle granaries and attic spaces now host exhibitions by
Slovenian and international artists and photographers. The exhibition
Captured Transparency reveals the delicate glass masterpieces once crafted in the historic Kozjansko forest glassworks.
In memory of St. Ema, her memorial room has been arranged, as the castle is one of the points on Ema's pilgrimage route, which connects places associated with the life and work of Ema Krška. Slovenian and foreign artists and photographers are presented in the former castle granaries and in the attic. The masterpieces of the former Kozjan forest glassworks - glažut are revealed to us in the exhibition Captured Transparency.
Every summer, the castle courtyard comes alive with music during the Podsreda Castle Music Festival, while the vaulted cellars house the Kozjansko Park Information Center, presenting the region’s protected nature — plant and animal species and their habitats, natural landmarks, the Kozjansko and Obsotelje Biosphere Reserve, and Natura 2000 sites.
Podsreda Castle is a venue for cultural, promotional, business, and social events — and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for weddings.
Opening hours: April 1 – October 31
Contact
Address:
Exiles' Road 3 8280 Brestanica
Telephone:
07 620 42 16 / 051 390 648
Email:
info@gradrajhenburg.si