About Kostel Castle
The once mighty fortress, strategically placed on a hill above the Kolpo, provided shelter - even from the Turks - to a number of powerful families, from the Counts of Ortenburg to the Langenmantles, for 700 years. The first written mention of the castle is with the German name Graffenwarth and dates from 1336, but interestingly, today the modern local postal code completely matches it.
The castle, demolished in 1809, was partially restored at the end of the 20th century. Valvasor's veduta, published in the Topography of the modern Duchy of Carniola (1679), testifies to the mightiness of the castle complex. Kostel Castle, together with the square inside the walls, is the second largest castle complex in Slovenia and at the same time the only complex on Slovenian soil where people still live inside the former castle walls.
Today, Kostel Castle offers exceptional views of the beautiful valley of the Kolpa River, vast forests and surrounding villages. Many true stories, for example about the deception of the Turks, and legends, e.g. about Mikul's devil, the guides will reveal to you. The castle walls host various exhibitions, in the wonderful atmosphere inside the castle complex at the top of the hill, it is possible to try an escape game or refresh yourself with local delicacies from the castle's picnic cafe. In the summer of 2020, in part of the castle, we arranged the ethnological collection Traces of Time, which brings together around 160 objects and offers an insight into life in the past. A 10-minute film projection about the history of the castle, which is available in 5 different languages, also provides a good insight into the castle's rich and varied past.
For announced groups, it is possible to visit the castle at any time by prior agreement. It is also possible to perform an escape game at Kostel Castle at any time.
Welcome to Kostel Castle.
3 окт 2024
