The castle of Reichenburg stands on a steep rocky pier over the Sava River. It is the oldest certified castle in Slovenia. It is mentioned in the sources as early as September 29, 895. At that time, the king of Arnulf in the East granted the Bavarian lord Valtun the estates in Reichenburg and Krško. The fort, which stood right at the site of the present castle, was demolished in the fighting with the Hungarians in the early 10th century. In the second half of the 10th century, the German state launched an offensive against the Hungarians and the territories they had previously lost were given back. Thus the German Emperor Henry II. donated the former Valtun estate to the Savinja landscape by William, who was tasked with protecting the eastern border. When William died, his wife Hema Pilštanjska went to the monastery and in 1043 donated his estates to the Archdiocese of Salzburg. Nevertheless, the Rheinburg estate remained in the hands of Hema's family until 1141. In 1131 the Archbishop of Salzburg Konrad made peace with the Hungarians, and after that year he rebuilt the castle. He sent a ministerial family to Rajhenburg in 1141, accepting the name of Rajhenburg. This family was on the castle until 1570 when it became extinct. First they were tenants of the castle, and later they became the owners for military merit. The most famous of the Reichenburgs was Rheinprecht II, who was knighted in 1452 and in 1478 became supreme ruler of Styria, Carinthia and Carniola. Lower Turn Castle, for which there is no information, is said to have been built by the Reichenburgs, who are also mentioned by an interesting legend, the legend of two enemy brothers. The Rajhenburgs owned several castles in the Posavje region. Archbishop of Salzburg Eberhard II. established a mint of money at Rhenburg Castle in 1222, which ceased operations after three years.
After the extinction of the Reichenburgs, many owners came to the castle. From 1570-1579, the Welzer owners owned it, and from 1579-1591 Baron Volkart Egg owned it. Probably before 1600 the castle was passed into the hands of Galla pl. Gallenstein. There is no information on this, but their coat of arms on the front door portal shows that they gave the castle its present appearance. During the period 1639-1696, Veit Jakob pl. Moscon and Leopold pl. Curti. By 1721 he was the owner of Hannibal Heister and from 1721-1802 the counts of Attemsi. The Attems are said to be the owners who gave the interior yard a paint job. The castle was sold to Alojz Mandelstein, who in 1820 sold it to Countess Petazzi. It was owned by Sidonia Brzowska from 1855 to 1857, and from 1857 to 1875 by Eberhart Waldburg. He sold this castle to Baron Christian Esebeck, who then sold it to Trappist monks in 1881.
During World War II, the castle was occupied by the Germans and had the headquarters of a relocation office for the expulsion of Slovenes, as well as other offices. After 1947, when the Order of Trappists was dissolved and the castle was nationalized, it was closed until 1965. Today, the castle houses museum exhibitions about the history of the castle, Trappist monks, Slovenian exiles and political prisoners and interns.
The castle is also an important cultural and historical monument. It discovered the oldest Romanesque chapel in Slovenia from the beginning of the 12th century and the oldest preserved castle painting on Slovenian territory from the beginning of the...
Read moreRestaurant A3 at Rajhenburg Castle – A Delightful Experience
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Restaurant A3 at Rajhenburg Castle twice, and on both occasions, I was thoroughly impressed. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression in every aspect.
The presentation of the food was impeccable, showcasing a perfect balance of artistry and attention to detail. Each dish was not only a culinary masterpiece but also a visual delight. The carefully curated wine pairings further elevated the dining experience, highlighting the flavors of the dishes and creating a harmonious journey for the palate.
What truly sets this restaurant apart is the passion and dedication of the owner. Their enthusiastic and knowledgeable presentation of each dish and drink added a personal and memorable touch, reflecting a deep commitment to excellence and guest satisfaction.
Additionally, I was particularly impressed with the way they accommodated my partner’s gluten-free dietary requirements. Despite informing them about this only during the dinner, they rose to the occasion with remarkable professionalism and flexibility, ensuring her experience was just as delightful and seamless.
I wholeheartedly recommend Restaurant A3 to anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in a stunning setting. Wishing the owners continued success in the future – they...
Read moreI had a delightful experience visiting this enchanting castle! Nestled in a picturesque setting, the castle exudes charm with its cozy and compact layout. If you're driving, be prepared for a narrow and steep mountain road leading to the entrance. Thankfully, there's a small free parking lot right in front.
The affordability of the entrance fee pleasantly surprised me. Upon arrival, the staff provided clear instructions and maps, giving me the freedom to explore at my own pace. The interior boasts small yet captivating exhibitions and scenic views, all impeccably maintained and spotlessly clean.
Convenience is a highlight, with free and well-maintained restrooms on every floor. The ground floor features a small cafeteria and a mini shop offering an array of local chocolates, wines, and souvenirs. It's a great opportunity to take a piece of the experience home with you.
In summary, my overall impression was exceedingly positive! If you find yourself in the vicinity, I highly recommend paying a visit to this gem of a castle. The combination of stunning surroundings, reasonable pricing, and well-kept facilities make it a must-see...
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