You must visit this 16th-century castle in Brežice

What a historical gem! Just fifteen minutes from the Bregana border crossing between Croatia and Slovenia, in the town of Brežice—a destination frequented by many Croatians for quick shopping—a beautiful and mystical castle is tucked near the Sava River.

Brežice Castle, also known as Grad Brežice and Schloss Rann, is a stunning 16th-century Renaissance castle that is a must-visit destination when exploring this city.

Brežice Castle, Photo: Iztok Medja, EKVisuals d.o.o. archive, www.slovenia.info

Although its history traces back even earlier to the 13th century, the Brežice Castle we know today dates from the 16th century. It is believed to have been built on the site of a wooden fortification that served administrative and defensive purposes for the Archdiocese of Salzburg when Brežice became a significant economic center.

At the beginning of the 16th century, when many Slovenian cities were affected by peasant revolt in 1515, the castle was burned down together with knight Marko, his soldiers, and everyone who lived in it.

As the repairs started, with the invasion of the Ottoman Empire, the castle was burned down again!

Brezice castle, Photo: Sl-Ziga

Right away, Italian builders Julij Dispatio and brothers Andrej and Domenico del Allio, renowned for their Renaissance-style buildings, got to work. However, this wasn’t its last makeover.

Brežice Castle received its final magical appearance at the very end of the 18th century after the death of Countess Juliana Frankopan. The castle was then purchased by Count Ignace Maria Attems, who transformed the former fortress into a residential mansion, and it underwent artistic renovations in the spirit of the Baroque.

Over the period, the castle received its two-story Knight’s Hall,  western and eastern sections with a paved terrace and rooms.

Knight’s Hall, Photo: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0

After World War II, the castle was handed over to the Posavina Museum of Brežice, which today houses more than 24 exhibition rooms. Within Brežice Castle, visitors can explore numerous permanent exhibitions, including archaeological and ethnological exhibits, historical art displays, the Bürger collection showcasing the wealth legacy of individuals of Posavje, heritage exhibitions, archives, and other occasional exhibitions.

In addition to exhibitions, Brežice Castle hosts various events, including concerts and panels. Moreover, if you’ve ever dreamed of a stylish wedding, this castle is a perfect venue for that too. The Posavina Museum of Brežice allows wedding ceremonies to take place in the Knight’s Hall or the St. Cross Chapel, providing a unique and memorable setting for such special occasions.

Brežice Castle, Photo: Jaka Ceglar, Association of Historical Sites of Slovenia, www.slovenia.info

To visit this magnificent place, you will need to purchase a ticket. The entrance fee is 5 euros for adults, 3 euros for pensioners and students, and 10 euros for families. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the days when the castle is open to all visitors for free. These days include February 8, May 18, Summer Museum Night, on June 26 the day of the Posavina Museum of Brežice,  December 3, and other dates as announced.

In addition to the castle, in Brežice you can view Brežice Water Tower and visit the thermal spa nearby. Perfect for a weekend getaway!