Podčetrtek Castle renovated with European funds
The Ministry of Culture contributed EUR 1,614,246.14 to this renovation project worth EUR 2,582,022.08. The funds were allocated to the Castle View Experience project, which included the renovation of the castle’s interior, a comprehensive revitalisation and modernisation of this cultural monument through the development of sustainable experiences created with modern technologies and newly established tourism products. The money was received from European funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility Plan (RRP). The Podčetrtek Municipality also secured EUR 250,075.12 by participating in tenders from the Ministry of Culture.
The Minister of Culture Asta Vrečko stressed: »The renovation of the Podčetrtek Castle was one of the major cultural heritage investments carried out in the area of Kozjansko and Obsotelje since Slovenia’s independence. In addition to static and energy rehabilitation and the restoration of historic walls that tell stories about our local and national history, programmatic renovation is equally important, as it makes this historical and cultural monument accessible to the local community and to all local and foreign visitors. The renovation implies coexistence and cooperation, brings new incentives to the area and promotes its rich cultural heritage. The castle is thus no longer just a historical monument, but a place for meetings, free time, learning and contemplation. The renovation made use of the most modern technological and scientific methods, complementing traditional skills and knowledge. Heritage teaches us that it is primarily a combination of the two that ensures sustainability and resilience, which, in modern times (particularly in light of the climate crisis), are becoming increasingly important for our present and the future.«
A significant addition to the castle is a viewing platform built on the flat roof of the renovated part of the castle. The platform will offer visitors a new experience of virtual and real view of the Obsotelje and Kozjansko landscapes. The castle’s programme will henceforth be enriched by an interactive experience depicting medieval trials called Thursday’s Judgment (Četrtkova sodba), an observatory with a movable interactive screen and a responsive observatory with two tourist products: a castle banquet and castle wedding.
In addition to the funds provided by the Ministry of Culture, the Podčetrtek Municipality obtained funds for the castle trail renovation project, entitled »Castle Trail in the Podčetrtek Destination«, from the Fund for the Sustainable Development of Slovenian Tourism.
