One of Slovenia’s most important medevial castles has entered a new chapter. Following an extensive four-year restoration worth €13.3 million, Turjak Castle has reopened to visitors with new exhibitions, event spaces, a café, a traditional inn and even accommodation within the castle complex. Admission is free.
Perched above the countryside south of Ljubljana, Turjak Castle is one of Slovenia’s most significant medieval landmarks. First mentioned in written records in 1220, the castle is closely associated with the influential Auersperg family, whose history is intertwined with some of the defining moments of Central European and Slovenian history.
After decades of gradual restoration, the latest project has brought much of the historic complex back to life, creating a new cultural and visitor destination while carefully preserving its centuries-old character.
A medieval castle brought back to life
Led by the Slovenian Ministry of Culture, the comprehensive restoration was carried out between 2022 and 2026 and included the castle’s northern wing and residential palace, its medieval bastion and inner courtyard, the former hunting lodge, the ruins of the stables and the energy renovation of the southern and western wings. The surrounding castle park, walking paths and outdoor areas were also revitalised.
The architectural approach placed particular emphasis on preserving the authenticity of the historic structure. Original architectural elements and different stages of the castle’s development – from its Romanesque beginnings to later additions – remain clearly visible, while contemporary interventions were designed to complement rather than compete with the historic fabric.
Inside the residential palace, details such as wooden wall panelling and coffered parquet flooring reinterpret features once found in the castle’s living quarters. A new stone staircase has been introduced, while the medieval bastion features contemporary Corten steel stairs and galleries whose patina echoes the appearance of aged wood.
Discover the story of the Auerspergs
One of the highlights of the renewed castle is a new permanent exhibition exploring Slovenian history through the story of the Auersperg family.
Using contemporary museum interpretation, the exhibition follows the family from the arrival of its earliest members in the region during the High Middle Ages through centuries of life at Turjak Castle, ending with their departure in 1943.
For international visitors, the exhibition offers a window into a lesser-known chapter of Central European history and into the role played by one of the region’s most prominent noble families.
Stay overnight at the castle
Turjak Castle is no longer only a place to visit for a few hours. The renovated complex now also includes accommodation for up to 59 guests. There are 29 beds in the castle’s northern wing and another 30 in the former hunting lodge, primarily intended for participants in cultural and educational programmes.
New facilities also include exhibition and event spaces, areas for cultural and social gatherings, a castle café and traditional inn, creating opportunities for the complex to host a broader range of cultural, educational and tourism experiences.
Free admission for visitors
Turjak Castle is owned by the Republic of Slovenia and will operate primarily as a non-profit museum and cultural venue, with accessibility to heritage at the heart of its new role.
Admission to the castle is free. It is currently open to visitors every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with guided tours expected to be introduced.
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