Pologi::Negova Castle

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

Location
The village of Negova – the municipality of Gornja Radgona in north-eastern Slovenia.
The castle stands on the broad flat projection of land on which the small village of Negova also stands. Towards the north and east, it descends steeply to the valley of the River Ščavnica. The castle dominates the landscape and is a very intact monument. The characteristic elements of the castle’s former activities, such as the gardens and fish ponds, along with its other special features are well preserved. The castle is the central cultural feature of the valley.

Description
The castle complex is surrounded by a wall which has defence towers on four corners. There is an entrance passage which crosses a bridge (at the level of the first floor) and leads into the central castle courtyard. The castle was probably built towards the end of the 14th or the beginning of the 15th century. It underwent considerable reconstruction work in the 16th century, most likely after 1542, when the Trautmannsdorf family took it over. Reconstruction work carried out during the Renaissance period is shown by the arcades in the courtyard and numerous architectonic details which have completely dominated the Gothic core of the castle. As a result, the castle has a uniform Renaissance image and only a more detailed examination reveals its tumultuous construction history. The complex also includes the terraced gardens near the eastern and western castle walls, and the fish ponds near the northern foot of the castle slope.

The first phase of renovation of the castle complex, was completed in 2008, includes a complete renovation of the farms and the new castle. The farms will be taken over by the local community (the tourist association, the local community association), while the new castle will contain a restaurant, have conference facilities and also provide accommodation. The buildings are entirely renovated, including the furnishings.

In the second phase, the old castle and the castle hill will be renovated. For this phase, a plan to sort out the construction details and ideas for a luxury hotel have already been prepared.

The Ministry of Culture wishes to acquire a strategic partner to equip the new and old castle, organise suitable activities within it (probably touristic-culinary, but could also be accommodation-business) and maintain it. The castle farms are not included in the offer, as they will be managed by the local community.

The castle complex consists of the so-called old castle, new castle and the castle farms.

The strategic partner will rent the castle for longer period.

Estimated investment value
Depends on the requirements of the strategic partner – the completion of building work and furnishing new equipment.

Project stage
The first construction phase will be completed in June 2008. This phase includes the renovation of the entire new castle, the farms and the castle wall.

Proposed funding system
The strategic partner shall ensure that the castle is equipped and that the construction work is completed.

Construction schedule: 2011-2015

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