Old castle, Višnja Gora

 

On the hump above the city Višnja Gora stood Stari grad (en. Old castle) or Weichselberg (Ger.) (also castle Višnja Gora). It was built on the place of originally prehistoric Gradišče. To the end of 13th century it was a seat of regional court and administrative center of  Višnja Gora’s nobility. For the first time it was mentioned in year 1154 as castellum Wichselberg, but most likely it was built already in 11th century. In the 15th century it passed into the property of Celje counts, in year 1456 to Habsburgs. In 17th century, specifically in year 1666, it was taken over by Turjak and remained in their ownership until 20th century. Last owners and counts of the castle were Auerspergs. Ruins of the castle are still today seen   and accessible on decorated forest trail.

The entrance to the castle

Interior of the castle

The castle was composed from residential tower, which was square shaped, west from it were narrow buildings, walls and intermediate space. Intermediate space was most likely the courtyard. Entrance into the castle was from the northern side. Entrance into the tower, which was three or four floors high, was possible only through a building on the west from the castle.

Among all the lords, who ruled in Višnja gora in the name of the owners, are particularly exposed Jurij, Žiga and knight Fridrerik Višnjegorski.

Jurij Višnjegorski was emperor’s deputy-vicedom in Carniola. In 15th century he conclusively joined White Carniola to Carniola.

The wiev from below

Outher wall

Žiga Višnjegorski was the first Austrian’s envoy at the Turkish royal court in Istanbul. He was a trained soldier, commander and statesman. In year 1510 he excelled in war with Venetians. In year 1531 defended Lipnica and Maribor against Turks, for several years he guarded Carniola border and with his successful battles celebrated the family of Višnjegorski, which was ranked among most eminent noble families in Carniola.

Knight Friderik Višnjegorski and Herbert Auersperg had fallen in the battel at Budačko in year 1575. Both were beheaded by Turks and their heads were exhibited in Istanbul. Later they returned them for a rich ransom of 20.000 golden tolars. Until year 1943 the heads were stored in Turjak castle. With this ransom Ferhad-pasha erected mosque/Ferhadija in Banja luka, most significant monument of Turkish-Islamic culture in this places.

HISTORY

Castle was for the first time mentioned in written sources in year 1250 as castellum Wichselberg. It was built by order of Višnja Gora lords, so it represented their home castle. Family Višnjegorski were for the first time mentioned in year 1136, to the period of Celje counts they were most important feudal family on Slovenian soil. Family was extinct at the beginning of the 13th century. At that time the castle was taken over by their heirs, counts Andechs, followed by Babenbergs and Spanheim’s.

Ulrik III. Spanheim gave the castle with document from year 1250 to the patriarch of Aquileia Bertold of Andechs. And from year 1251 on the vicar Majnhard Goriški lived in the castle. But the castle nevertheless still was owned by Spanheim’s, as they did not gave it into feud, but they managed it through people of Gradišče.

The old castle in time

In document from year 1311 it is written, that the castle at that time was owned by Carinthia dukes, later, in the middle of 14th century, already in ownership of Habsburg’s. The castle was before year 1386 sold to the counts of Celje. Until year 1456 Celje line became extinct and the castle Višnja Gora became regional-prince castle. Later owner of the castle was Archduke Karl, who sold the castle in year 1573 to count Jurij Khisel, who sold it further to the family Mascon. Last owners of the Višnja Gora castle were Auersperg’s, who bought it in year 1631. In 18th century the castle was abandoned, wherefore it soon started to fall apart. Its stones were taken by residents of Višnja Gora, they used the stones to build houses.

 

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Višnja gora
Višnja Gora is a small town in Lower Carniola region, it is a seat of the local community of Višnja Gora. With preserved walls and the guard tower, named Pulfer turn, it is one of the most preserved Slovenian medieval settlements. On this area there was once a Roman military outpost called Magnisa. [_Read more_]

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