Revitalisation of the Podčetrtek Castle

Appearance of the renovated eastern part, photo: Borut Pihlar

Categories: cultureheritageother

Organizers: Local community, Municipality of Podčetrtek, Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, Architectural experts

Lokacation: Cesta na Grad, 3254 Podčetrtek (46.159184575286986, 15.59258401391162)

Where good practice takes place: external-internal space

About good practice

A description of the location

The fortress on the hill above the old market town of Podčetrtek covers an area of 2626 m². It was nationalised after the war and has visibly deteriorated over the last two decades. The interior has been completely ransacked and the building badly damaged.

The reason for the emergence of good practice

The potential of the castle was recognised long ago, and in 2000 the local people began to take a more active role in its preservation. They worked for the municipality to buy Podčetrtek Castle and ensure its restoration. One of the local community members even organised an exhibition about the castle and its rich history in his gallery, which further highlighted its importance. On 1 January 2018, a groundbreaking step was taken by local residents when they set up a public group on Facebook for the Podčetrtek Castle Civic Initiative, with the aim of stopping the deterioration of the historic building and protecting the settlement under the castle ruins. The crumbling of the old castle granary drew attention to the risk that in the future intensive demolition of the castle itself could begin, endangering the settlement below. The aim of the initiative is to turn the castle into a tourist destination for Podčetrtek, while keeping it open and in public ownership. The members of the initiative are working with the Local Initiative for Podčetrtek Castle, which aims to actively involve the local community in the restoration of the castle.

The operation of best practice

The restoration is based on close cooperation between the Municipality of Podčetrtek, the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, architectural experts and the local community. The project included two workshops on heritage interpretation, one for the general public and one for young people. The renovation comprised, in the first phase, stabilisation of the building, restoration of the roofs and façade, renovation of historic elements and installation of infrastructure. A viewing terrace was also created and the former stables were renovated to serve as exhibition galleries. Particular emphasis was placed on preserving authenticity. The castle will be a key part of the local economy in the future, with plans to restore the castle chapel, museum and library. Access to the castle has been renovated, and there will be an amphitheatre for outdoor events and an atrium for ceremonial events and weddings. The castle will not only be a tourist attraction, but also a place where the local community can meet, collaborate and build new stories.

More about good practice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/299629350442090