Deposits::Gradac Castle

The Ministry of Culture is looking for a strategic partner to take over the running of Gradac Castle and organise tourism (accommodations), cultural, and culinary activities in it. The strategic partner will have to ensure that building work is completed and that the building is suitably equipped for the above activities.

Location
Bela Krajina – municipality of Metlika in south-eastern Slovenia.

Description
The castle was first mentioned in documents from 1326, and a more concrete record dates back to 1488. The castle was additionally fortified during the period of Turkish incursions. The prominent entrance tower and renovated drawbridge have been preserved to this day. The imperial portal bearing the coat-of-arms of the Gusić family particularly stands out. Alongside the castle, there is a partly preserved park with the mausoleum of the Gusić family (1831). In the 17th century, the castle was owned by the Thurn-Valsassina family, and in 1629 it went to the Burgstalls, who later became the Gusić family. After the war, the castle contained a school and was later used to house apartments.

Gradac Castle is the most typical, preserved medieval castle in Bela Krajina. As such, and as an addition to the settlement surrounded on three sides by the River Lahinja, it is a rare example of continuous settlement from prehistory until the present day. The castle was built on a bend in the River Lahinja, on a site which has been settled for even longer. The deep river channel which flows around the castle on three sides ensured a high degree of security.

The Gradac Castle complex is located on a promontory surrounded by the River Lahinja. On it stand the castle, three outbuildings and the park. A plan for turning the castle into a hotel is in its final phase, however it is also possible to use the castle for other suitable purposes (for example, first-class apartments or business premises). The entire promontory surrounded by the River Lahinja is suitable for touristic or other similar activities, in accordance with agreements with the future strategic partner. The Ministry of Culture wishes to renovate the entire castle complex in cooperation with the partner, who will then have to establish a suitable activity and maintain the entire complex.

Estimated investment value
Depends on the requirements of the strategic partner – the completion of building work and fitting it out.

Project stage
Project documentation completed.

Proposed funding system
The strategic partner shall ensure that the building work is completed and that the building is fitted out.

Construction schedule: 2009-2015

For more details, please contact:
Ministry of Culture
Ms. Alenka Kuševič
Maistrova 10 
SI-1000 Ljubljana
Phone: 01/369 58 40
Fax: 01/369 59 01
E-mail: gp.mk@gov.si
www.kultura.gov.si