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Castles and cultural heritage

In terms of sheer numbers, Posavje holds the record among Slovenia’s regions for castles. Whether it’s a magnificent castle-turned-hotel, a specter from the past in the heart of a town, a formidable guardian perched on a cliff above the Sava River, or evocative ruins scattered across the green, rolling landscape—you’ll be captivated at first sight.

Aerial photo of Brežice Castle.

Brežice Castle

Where local and newcomer traditions come together to form a vibrant tapestry of Posavje’s cultural heritage.

In the 12th century, the Archbishop of Salzburg commissioned a castle on a hill above the Sava River, marking the border between Styria and Carniola.

A settlement soon developed below, gaining town rights in 1353. Rebuilt in the 16th century, the two-story castle remains Brežice’s most imposing landmark and now houses the Posavje Museum. Nearby, the Water Tower stands as a symbol and architectural icon of the town.

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Three cyclists cycling across a stone bridge leaving the Mokrice Castle Hotel.

Mokrice

Close your eyes and imagine. A medieval castle. A sprawling lush forest.

Rising majestically above the ancient Gorjanci forests and overlooking the vineyard-clad hills of Bizeljsko, Mokrice Castle is one of Posavje’s most striking medieval landmarks.

Legends surrounding the castle recall Roman trade routes, peasant uprisings, and the lavish lifestyle of its noble residents. First mentioned in 1444, it was preceded by a Roman fortress named Romula, depicted on the 4th-century Tabula Peutingeriana.

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Aerial photo of Rajhenburg Castle. A river flows past it, with a forested hill rising in the background.

Rajhenburg Castle

One of Slovenia’s most iconic examples of medieval castle architecture.

Perched on a scenic promontory overlooking the confluence of the Brestanica Stream and the Sava River, Rajhenburg Castle is regarded as one of Slovenia’s most important monuments of medieval castle architecture.

Constructed between 1131 and 1147 by Conrad I, Archbishop of Salzburg, the castle and its surrounding estate were managed by ministeriales, the Knights of Rajhenburg, who took their name from the castle.

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Photo of Sevnica Castle. A small fountain has been built in front of it.

Sevnica

Sevnica Castle, with origins dating back to the 13th century, offers a true castle experience for all ages and occasions, with its magnificent silhouette against the skyline on a hill above the old town, surrounded by picturesque grounds and rich attractions.

Perched on a prominent hill overlooking Sevnica, the castle stands on the site of an earlier castle, likely built in the first half of the 12th century.

First mentioned in writing in 1309 as castellum Liechtenwalde, the castle remarkably survived the Croatian–Slovene peasant revolt of 1573, unlike many others in the region.

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Photo of Kostanjevica na Krki Castle, taken from the air, surrounded by a green landscape.

Kostanjevica na Krki

Nestled where the lowland Krakovo Forest gently rises into the rolling green Gorjanci lies Kostanjevica na Krki — the smallest yet one of the oldest towns in the country, and its only island town.

Visitors are drawn to its storied historical, cultural, and natural heritage, local cuisine, traditional events, and diverse leisure offering.

Kostanjevica na Krki has been significantly shaped by the Cistercian abbey of St Mary's Spring, from 1234, which served as a hub of religious, educational, and economic life until its dissolution in 1785. The abbey’s church has retained much of its original appearance, and in 2024, the Cistercian cultural landscape was awarded the European Heritage Label. Today, it houses the Božidar Jakac Gallery — Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

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Aerial photo of the Kunšperk castle ruins. They lie on top of a hill surrounded by green trees.

Kunšperk Castle Ruins

Perched on a rocky ledge above the hamlet of Kunšperk, the ruins of the once-mighty Kunšperk Castle still capture the imagination with their striking silhouette.

A silent witness to Posavje’s turbulent medieval history, the castle walls offer a splendid view of the Bistrica ob Sotli valley.

Built in the 12th century, Kunšperk Castle was originally the residence of the Lords of Kunšperk, a cadet branch of the Lords of Ptuj. Later owned by the Counts of Celje, the castle changed hands several times before being abandoned by the Windischgrätz family in the 17th century. Today, its romantic ruins stand as quiet reminders of former glory, inviting visitors to dive into medieval tales and take in the tranquil views.

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3D animated Svibno Castle, standing on top of a hill.

Svibno Castle Ruins

The idyllic village of Svibno was once dominated by the mighty castle of the Knights of Ostrovrhar. Today, visitors are transported back to the medieval era through an interpretive window featuring a scale model and a mobile app.

Blending scenic views with lore steeped in history, the castle is bound to stir the imagination.

Founded as early as 985 and first mentioned around 1175, Svibno Castle was the seat of the powerful Ostrovrhar family, famed for controlling ferry crossings on the Sava River and for the legendary knight Wilhelm, immortalized in Prešeren’s poem. In the 14th century, the castle came under the Counts of Celje but fell into ruin by the 17th. Today, a scale model and interactive mobile app bring its medieval story back to life.

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A beautiful photo of the ceremonial hall, painted with frescoes.

The Royal Seven — an exclusive experience

Embark on a journey through 7 Posavje castles, discovering a rich cultural heritage, unforgettable views, and exceptional culinary delights.

Aerial photo of a castle surrounded by forest.

The Royal Seven — an exclusive experience

No other region in Slovenia can boast so many castles on such a small area as Posavje. These majestic guardians of history, architecture, and breathtaking panoramas captivate every visitor. From castle courtyards and lavish halls to the hidden nooks nestled in the hills and along the Sava River, the castles of Posavje offer a unique immersion into culture, nature, and local lore.

A guided one-day trip to seven castles offers evocative explorations of grand chambers, historical exhibitions and thematic workshops, with delightful culinary intermezzos. The journey weaves together past and present, providing stunning vistas and unique opportunities for a memorable family, cultural, or romantic experience.

Photo of a dark room with VR glasses and the ability to virtually tour castles.

Digital castle room

The digital castle chamber is an immersive space offering an innovative experience of the Posavje castles. Its digitized displays showcase the magnificent architecture, history, and cultural heritage of the strongholds, inspiring guests to go out and visit these remarkable historical gems.

The interactive display offers a virtual tour of the castle chambers and a fun way to learn more about each castle’s exceptional history and architecture. Through engaging digital content, the storied past of seven majestic castles comes to life, sparking a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage and inspiring visitors to explore the castles in person, bringing a modern digital twist to a traditional castle tour.