Date: 23. October 2025
Time to read: 1 min
Perched on a scenic hill overlooking the Sotla River stands Podčetrtek Castle - one of the oldest fortresses in the Kozjansko region, watching over the valley for nearly 800 years.
The castle was first mentioned in 1261, when it belonged to the Counts of Žovnek, later known as the Counts of Celje. Its strategic position enabled control over an important route connecting the Pannonian Plain with the Alpine hinterland, as well as the supervision of trade and customs along the Hungarian border.
The origin of the name Podčetrtek is also intriguing. According to some sources, it derives from the German Tscherntek; others trace it to an Old Slavic expression meaning “the market town under Thursday” - referring to the day when fairs were held during the Middle Ages.
Thus, Podčetrtek literally means “the place below the fairground,” reflecting a long-standing mercantile tradition that for centuries linked the people of Kozjansko and neighboring Styria.
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Due to its exceptional panorama and proximity to Kozjansko Park, the castle also serves as a starting point for numerous hiking and cycling trails. According to municipal data, it attracts over 10.000 visitors annually, representing roughly 12% of all tourists in the municipality. Photo: TIC Podčetrtek
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The Municipality of Podčetrtek became the castle’s sole owner in 2020, initiating the latest restoration phase. Photo: TIC Podčetrtek
From Medieval Fortress to a Decaying Manor
After the extinction of the Counts of Celje in 1456, the castle changed owners several times, including the noble families Tattenbach, Attems, and later Windischgrätz. Each lineage reshaped the castle according to the spirit of its time.
From a fortified medieval stronghold with towers and a defensive moat, it evolved in the 17th century into a Renaissance-Baroque manor with an arcaded courtyard and decorative façades.
Nevertheless, it preserved some defensive features characteristic of late medieval architecture. In the 18th century, the estate experienced economic prosperity, encompassing numerous vineyards, mills, and fishponds. However, following the peasant uprisings and the Napoleonic wars, its influence began to wane. After the abolition of feudalism in 1848, the castle lost its economic centrality, and by the 20th century even the last noble residents had departed. Following World War II, the property passed into state ownership and gradually fell into decay.
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The castle program has recently expanded with the interactive experience Thursday’s Judgment. Photo: TIC Podčetrtek
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Interactive experience allows visitors to immerse themselves in historical events with utilizing modern technology. Visitors can choose between conspiracy, adultery, or betrayal. Photo: TIC Podčetrtek
A Revived Castle
At the beginning of the 21st century, initiatives for restoration began. With municipal support and European funding, conservation and archaeological works were carried out between 2008 and 2012, uncovering the foundations of the original defensive tower and sections of the outer walls. The restored part of the castle now serves as a cultural and event venue, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and wedding ceremonies.
Today, Podčetrtek Castle also offers accommodation within its historic walls. Each unit retains an authentic castle character, enriched with a modern touch that merges tradition with contemporary comfort. Guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the unspoiled landscape of Kozjansko Park, evoking a sense of peace and harmony with the historical surroundings.
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Do you dream of a fairy-tale wedding in a magnificent castle or a romantic manor? Feel like royalty on your special day at the Podčetrtek Castle. Photo: TIC Podčetrtek
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The castle’s ambiance, both inside and out, radiates timeless elegance, making a stay within its walls a truly unique experience. Photo: TIC Podčetrtek
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Podčetrtek Castle was originally built in the 13th century as a defensive fortress. Photo: TIC Podčetrtek
According to local legend, the castle’s underground passages are still home to the White Lady - the spirit of a heartbroken noblewoman who lost her lover during the Ottoman incursions. Many locals claim that on foggy nights, her footsteps can still be heard echoing through the halls. Archaeological research has confirmed that beneath the castle lies a network of tunnels, partly natural and partly man-made, once used as shelters and secret escape routes.
Podčetrtek Castle is not merely a relic of feudal history - it is once again becoming a place of encounters and unique experiences.
Its restoration enchants not only with new walls but also with the stories intertwined within them. Perhaps you will be the one to meet the White Lady? Today, the castle lives a new life - as a space of culture, art, and hospitality where history, creativity, and the modern spirit meet.
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Explore the rich cuisine of Kozjansko at Podčetrtek castle. Photo: TIC Podčetrtek
