Mirna - Castle from the mid-12th century

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

Mirna Castle is one of the oldest castles in Slovenia; it was first mentioned in written sources as early as 1165.
It stands north of the settlement of Mirna, on a rocky promontory between the valleys of the Mirna River and Vejar Creek.
Among locals, the castle is known as the “Sleeping Beauty.” Due to the many historical periods it has passed through, Mirna is a meeting point of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles, placing it among the rare monuments of medieval building heritage in the country.
World War II cast a dark shadow over Mirna Castle. In 1942 it was deliberately burned and almost completely destroyed. In 1965, Prof. Dr. Marko Marin obtained permission for its restoration and largely financed it himself.
Since 1996, the property has been listed as a monument of local importance.

GEOGRAPHICAL AREA

The settlement of Mirna lies in the Mirna Valley and is its largest town. The valley, shaped by the Mirna River, is located at the crossroads of important regional roads and along the railway line connecting it with larger cities in the region.
The Mirna River was first mentioned in a testament from 1016, when King Henry II granted Count William II, the son of Countess and Saint Hemma of Gurk, estates along the Sava, Savinja, Sotla, and Mirna rivers. Saint Hemma of Gurk, a noblewoman and founder of several churches and monasteries in Carinthia, is considered an important historical figure in Slovenian history.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING COMPLEXES

Upon first entering the castle courtyard, one is struck by the vastness of the complex surrounding you. The eye is quickly drawn to the Renaissance bridge, now newly covered with red brick, whose unique arcades enchant every visitor.
The oldest part of the castle is the late Romanesque house, which today forms the southeastern corner of the main palace. Built of large stone ashlar blocks, it has three storeys and a rectangular floor plan typical of Romanesque architecture, dating from the second half of the 11th century.
During the Turkish incursions, the castle was further fortified - the owners built an arcaded defensive wall to protect the castle and the surrounding lands. At that time, an additional defensive tower was also constructed below the castle complex.
At the beginning of the 17th century, the castle was once again remodeled in accordance with Renaissance principles, and the Sleeping Beauty also gained a castle garden.

● Total area of the castle: 1,737 m²
● Main palace: 1,065 m²

EXTERIOR

The castle and its land (2,413 m²) are designated as a tourism area. In addition to the castle, there is also a large plot of land (5,260 m²) intended for rest and recreation. The exterior includes agricultural and forest land.

EXISTING AND POTENTIAL USE

Historical monuments, top-quality cuisine, world-renowned wines, and stunning nature are the hallmarks of the Dolenjska region.
The development of the settlement of Mirna is closely linked to the castle - its main landmark.
Mirna Castle allows for a blend of private and public programs. There are many possibilities for opening private spaces to the public: boutique hotels, restaurants, cafes, conference halls, wedding ceremonies.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsWYMbOYMWs