A New Chapter of Castle Experiences Begins

On March 26, 2025, we celebrated an important milestone at Podsreda Castle – the official opening of newly renovated castle spaces and the introduction of modern features, developed as part of the project “Podsreda Castle – Cultural Heritage and Tourism”. With this, our castle not only preserves its remarkable cultural value but also transforms into a contemporary destination for discerning visitors, business guests, and seekers of unique experiences.

The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Minister of Culture Dr. Asta Vrečko, Dubravka Kalin from the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, and Mayor of the Municipality of Kozje, Milena Krajnc, who emphasized the importance of connecting heritage, nature, and tourism for the future development of the region.

Highlights of the Renovation

As part of the project, co-financed by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (NextGenerationEU) under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) of Slovenia, the following upgrades were completed:

• Restoration of the Romanesque chapel,
• Three boutique apartments in the renovated outbuilding,
• Two modern conference halls for business events and meetings,
• A wellness area with views of the castle park,
• A charming castle café located in the restored east tower,
• A new immersive experience using Mixed Reality (MR) technology – bringing the castle’s stories to life in an interactive and engaging way,
• Restoration of the castle’s northern defensive wall for preservation and safety.

Voices from the Opening

Milena Krajnc, Mayor of Kozje Municipality:
“These new additions open a fresh chapter for Podsreda Castle. By combining cultural heritage, business tourism, and peaceful nature, we offer a new level of quality experience – for both domestic and international guests.”

Dr. Asta Vrečko, Minister of Culture:
“Congratulations to all involved in this outstanding project. Reviving cultural heritage is not just about restoring buildings – it’s about bringing them to life with content and community.”

Dubravka Kalin, Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport:
“The restoration of Podsreda Castle perfectly reflects our tourism strategy – high-quality, sustainable tourism with a lower carbon footprint and higher added value.”

Mag. Valerija Slemenšek, Director of Kozjanski Park:
“Our vision is to create a space where history, nature, and sustainable tourism meet and grow together.”

A Place of Encounters, Inspiration and Innovation

The renewed spaces are more than just beautiful architecture – they represent a bold vision of the castle as a venue for:

• culture and business,

• the past and the present,

• boutique leisure and meaningful gatherings.

As Mojca Valenčak, tourism officer at the castle, explained:

“This project isn’t just a tourism investment – it’s an invitation to connection, collaboration, and creation. Podsreda Castle is now a meeting place for visitors, creatives, researchers, and entrepreneurs alike. Where history and innovation shake hands – that’s our added value.”

With Gratitude and a Look Forward

We express our sincere gratitude to the Municipality of Kozje (castle owner), Kozjanski Park (castle administrator), and all the architects, contractors, institutions, and partners who contributed to this exceptional project. We also thank the national ministries for supporting the initiative under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and the EU Recovery Mechanism.

Going forward, all efforts will remain focused on sustainably preserving cultural heritage, while carefully developing new offerings in line with modern tourism trends and the expectations of our visitors.

Photos by: Mojca Valenčak and Izidor Kotnik

More about the project can be found on the official website of the Municipality of Kozje: Link to the article on the municipal website