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Castle · Murska Sobota, Pomurska
Grad Castle
The castle with the largest built area in Slovenia, mentioned since 1214, on a hill in the village of Grad, in Goričko. Legend says it has 365 rooms. It houses the Goričko Nature Park center, with exhibitions and a cellar of local wines.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Grad Castle
Grad Castle stands atop a hill in the village of the same name, in the heart of the Goričko hills in northern Prekmurje, near the borders with Austria and Hungary. It is mentioned in documents from 1214 and was expanded over the centuries until it became the castle with the largest footprint in Slovenia. Its current form is mainly Baroque.
A local legend says the castle had 365 rooms, one for each day of the year, and another tale speaks of a lord of the castle who coveted the crown of a flying dragon. The complex passed through many noble families, fell into disrepair in the 20th century and was restored in stages.
Today the castle houses the visitor center of Goričko Nature Park. The Knights’ Hall, one of the largest and oldest rooms on the ground floor, has an exhibition about the castle’s history and its restoration. Other rooms show traditional craft workshops, arranged with the Pomurje Museum, and the park’s nature, with the otter and orchids among its symbols. A vaulted cellar gathers wines from Goričko producers.
Around the castle, a park with old trees invites you for a walk.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One hour, or more for those who follow the park’s trails.
Best time
From spring to autumn, combining the visit with a walk through the Goričko hills. Outside summer, the castle may have reduced opening hours; check with the park visitor center.
How to get there
From Murska Sobota it’s about 25 km on hilly roads, heading north, to the village of Grad. There is parking next to the castle.
Tip
Pick up maps of the park’s trails and cycling routes at the visitor center. Combine the visit with Bogojina church and the villages of Goričko.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Grad Castle
Is Grad Castle the largest in Slovenia?
By built area, yes. It stands on a hill in Goričko and is mentioned in documents from 1214. The largest medieval stronghold in the country is Celje Castle.
Does Grad Castle really have 365 rooms?
That is what the local legend says—one room for each day of the year. The number is more a way to convey the size of the complex.
What can you visit at Grad Castle?
The visitor center of Goričko Nature Park, with exhibitions about the castle, traditional crafts and the park’s nature, and a cellar with wines from the region.