The rich history of Bizeljsko Castle invites you to explore it

Bizeljsko Castle, also known by the German name Wisell, is located above the village of Bizeljsko in the municipality of Brežice, not far from the border with Croatia.

The castle has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The first owner was the knight Eberhard von Visel, and the castle was first mentioned in 1404 as Castrum Vysell. Over the centuries, the castle was ruled by various noble families, including the knights of Bizeljska, Kozja, Dobrnska, Soteška, and Counts of Tattenbach.

Old town of Bizeljsko, Photo: ZPTM Brežice, Simon Srečkovič, www.slovenia.info

In the period between the two world wars, the castle was owned by Count Giovanni Ceschi a Santa Croce, son-in-law of Prince Hugo Veriand Windischgrätz.

Even though the count did not live there, the castle was looked after by Countess Christiane Ceschi a Santa Croce. During the Second World War, the castle became a refuge for various people, including the Šribar family from Kamnik, the lawyer Georg von Thun, and the Jewess Friederike Sizzo de Noris.

The old town of Bizeljsko, Photo: Janezdrilc, CC0

Baron Nikolaus Maasburg, who married Countess Christiane Ceschi a Santa Croce, took ownership of the castle after the war. During the war, the couple was active in supporting the partisans, even owning a transmitter to send information to the British intelligence service MI5.

Despite guarantees of protection from partisans after the war, the Maasburg family ended up in prison, and the castle was nationalized.

Since 1971, the castle has been the home of the Klakočar-Wisell family, which is engaged in winemaking. Tasting their wines in the beautiful rustic palace cellar (60 seats) will make it easier for you to choose a wine for any occasion.