Otocec Castle, Otočec, Slovenia - SpottingHistory.com

Otočec Castle is a castle hotel on a small island in the middle of the Krka River. It is the only water castle in Slovenia and one of the most picturesque images in the country and is a prominent cultural and natural monument.

The castle was first mentioned in documents in the 13th century, although the walls are said to date to the more precise date of 1252. It was once owned by Ivan Lenković, the chief commander of the Croatia-Slavonia march.

Over the centuries that followed the castle underwent architectural and ownership changes, passing from one noble family to another.

Medieval structure of the castle has changed in time, yet some of the architectural details were preserved and cannot be missed out on. One of the most important ones is the Renaissance portal dating back to the 16th century decorated with two marble medallions bearing maiden profiles.

At the beginning of World War II the castle was seized by the Italians and used as a fortress. In 1942, it was burnt by the Partisans and only ruins remained of the two bridges. Castle’s restoration began in 1952 with the restoration of the roof and lasted for six years, also with the help of international work brigades. In 1959, the first restaurant was opened in the restored castle. Over the next few decades the castle changed its appearance until it was restored to its original Gothic and Renaissance splendour as it houses one of the most outstanding hotels in Slovenia.

References:

Grad Otočec

User Reviews

Alex Bondarev (2 years ago)
Amazing looking place, the restaurant is excellent, the waiting staff is as excellent as the food is, it is properly priced and the overall feel after a visit is totally 5 stars. You can take a walk around the premises which are beautiful and serene and just have a very good time. Highly highly recommended.

Monir El Shazly (2 years ago)
A lovely place to have coffee and walk around...just tranquil :-)

Breda Dular (2 years ago)
The castel is really something special because it was built on the small island. You can walk around the island. If you have more time there is another castle near with the golf and you can walk to there next to the river. If you want to feel a little bit of luxury then go inside the castle Otocec and enjoy the drink or food. They have a very good restaurant.

Nadia K (2 years ago)
An upscale restaurant, perfect for a day trip on a weekend, any special occasion or just to treat yourself. The waiters are fast and almost invisible, like they should be. Food is served fast and with a beautiful display. There is free parking and a beautiful park to take a walk in after your meal. We had no issue getting a table without a reservation on a Saturday afternoon.

HISTRO zhang (2 years ago)
Frankly speaking the food is so so, if just ranking for food I prefer 3 star only, but the most valuable part is to walk outside the castle after you get yourself full. Quite, clean and green, you could sit on the bench and listen the river flow. Just enjoy the peace of life.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Maciek Lulko

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The Old Town Hall of Wrocław is one of the main landmarks of the city. The Old Town Hall's long history reflects developments that have taken place in the city since its initial construction. The town hall serves the city of Wroclaw and is used for civic and cultural events such as concerts held in its Great Hall. In addition, it houses a museum and a basement restaurant.

The town hall was developed over a period of about 250 years, from the end of 13th century to the middle of 16th century. The structure and floor plan changed over this extended period in response to the changing needs of the city. The exact date of the initial construction is not known. However, between 1299 and 1301 a single-storey structure with cellars and a tower called the consistory was built. The oldest parts of the current building, the Burghers’ Hall and the lower floors of the tower, may date to this time. In these early days the primary purpose of the building was trade rather than civic administration activities.

Between 1328 and 1333 an upper storey was added to include the Council room and the Aldermen’s room. Expansion continued during the 14th century with the addition of extra rooms, most notably the Court room. The building became a key location for the city’s commercial and administrative functions.

The 15th and 16th centuries were times of prosperity for Wroclaw as was reflected in the rapid development of the building during that period. The construction program gathered momentum, particularly from 1470 to 1510, when several rooms were added. The Burghers’ Hall was re-vaulted to take on its current shape, and the upper story began to take shape with the development of the Great Hall and the addition of the Treasury and Little Treasury.

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During the 19th century there were two major changes. The courts moved to a separate building, and the Rates became the site of the city council and supporting functions. There was also a major program of renovation because the building had been neglected and was covered with creeping vines. The town hall now has several en-Gothic features including some sculptural decoration from this period.

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