THE CASTLE

THE CASTLE COMPLEX

Negova Castle is an extensive architectural and defensive complex comprising the old and new castles, defensive towers, the ancillary building, inner courtyard, walls and outdoor areas. The interactive plan shows how the individual parts are connected and helps visitors find their way during a tour.

The map shows the principal parts of the complex and its access points. Clicking on a point opens a short description, a photograph and a link to more detailed content.

  • old castle
  • new castle
  • northern and other defensive towers
  • ancillary building
  • inner courtyard
  • walls and former defensive ditches
  • park, garden, orchard and vineyard

Grad Negova
Negova 13, 9245 Spodnji Ivanjci

OPEN THE INTERACTIVE PLAN

A CASTLE SHAPED OVER CENTURIES

Negova Castle was not built all at once. Its present appearance is the result of centuries of construction, fortification, alteration, damage and restoration. Its walls combine medieval defensive architecture, Late Gothic and Renaissance elements, and the representative architecture of the seventeenth century.

The castle is first mentioned in written sources in 1425 as “vest Negaw”, while its architectural features indicate that a medieval castle core already existed in the thirteenth century. Each period added another layer, and the castle’s history remains visible in its architecture today.

13TH CENTURY

The medieval castle core is established.

1487

The castle is severely damaged during a Hungarian siege.

1605

Damage during an Ottoman attack, followed by restoration.

1938

A fire in the ceremonial hall severely damages the new castle.

TODAY

The restored complex has come to life again as a place of culture, education and experiences.

1425

The castle is first mentioned in written sources as “vest Negaw”.

16TH CENTURY

Renaissance transformation of the castle and its transfer to the Trauttmansdorff family.

17TH CENTURY

Development of the representative new castle.

AFTER 1945

A change of use, loss of furnishings and gradual decay.

TWO PARTS OF THE CASTLE, TWO APPROACHES TO RESTORATION

The old and new castles were built in different periods and survived in different states of preservation. Their restoration could not, therefore, be based on the same solutions. In the old castle, the starting point was the conservation of authentic fabric; in the new castle, it was the reconstruction of lost architectural elements. The two approaches are not mutually exclusive: together, they preserve and re-establish the integrity of the castle complex.

OLD CASTLE – CONSERVATION

The old castle is the oldest and historically most valuable part of the complex. Restoration focused on structural stabilisation, protection against further decay and the preservation of as much authentic building fabric as possible. Cracks, irregular masonry, plaster, fragments of wall paintings and traces of alterations were not removed as imperfections, but preserved as evidence of the castle’s development.

DISCOVER THE OLD CASTLE

NEW CASTLE – RECONSTRUCTION

The new castle is the representative part of the castle complex and was partly ruined before restoration. Research and surviving historical evidence provided the basis for reconstructing missing sections of the façades, roof, vaults, arcaded staircases and connecting bridge. The reconstruction restored its spatial integrity and enabled contemporary use.

DISCOVER THE NEW CASTLE

NATURAL AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE

Negova Castle is not only an architectural monument, but also part of the cultural landscape of the Slovenske gorice Hills. The castle complex is surrounded by forests, vineyards, orchards and lakes, while in spring the surrounding landscape is marked by stands of daffodils. Natural features, cultivated land and castle architecture have together shaped the character of Negova over the centuries. Preserving the castle therefore also includes caring for its outdoor areas and its relationship with the natural environment.