Grad na Goričkem

Grad Castle in Goričko – A Center of Power, Landscape Identity, and Modern Heritage Preservation

The village of Grad lies in the heart of Goričko, a gently rolling hilly region in the far northeast of Slovenia, characterized by soft, undulating hills, dispersed settlement patterns, and exceptional biodiversity. The landscape of Goričko is shaped by soft sedimentary rocks that have been transformed over millennia through erosion, watercourses, and Pleistocene processes. The central part of the village of Grad stands at an elevation of approximately 275 meters, on the western edge of Goričko, where the hills gradually descend toward the Ledava River plain. The village takes its name from the imposing castle that dominates the landscape and has served for centuries as the economic, political, and administrative center of the wider region.

Until 1957, the official name of the settlement was Gornja Lendava, and earlier the Hungarian name Lyndwa, reflecting the area’s long historical connection with the Hungarian cultural and political sphere. Written sources mention Grad as a market town as early as 1478, demonstrating its early economic importance; it is one of the few settlements in Prekmurje—alongside Lendava and Murska Sobota—that retained this status continuously. The village’s distinctive appearance is further shaped by the parish church of the Assumption of Mary, whose prominent position complements the silhouette of the castle.

Geographical Setting and Strategic Importance

Grad Castle stands on a prominent hilltop at 331 meters above sea level, about 300 meters east of the village center. This location was chosen for its excellent vantage point over the surrounding hilly landscape and the Ledava valley, where important local routes once passed. In the Middle Ages, Goričko formed part of the border zone of the Kingdom of Hungary, making a fortified hilltop position ideal for defense, tax collection, and the administration of feudal estates.

The hill on which the castle stands provides a commanding view of multiple access routes, a crucial advantage during periods of frequent military conflicts and border tensions. Beyond its defensive role, the location was also well suited for managing extensive estates that included fields, vineyards, forests, and villages.

Origins of the Castle and Medieval History

The castle was first mentioned in written sources in 1275, although historical evidence suggests it already existed in 1208, when the feudal count Nikolaj ruled the area. The original structure was likely Romanesque or early Gothic, featuring massive defensive walls, towers, and an inner courtyard. During the High Middle Ages, the castle served as an important stronghold of the Hungarian nobility, overseeing the northeastern frontier of the kingdom.

Over the centuries, the complex expanded significantly. Today, Grad Castle is the largest castle and feudal complex in Slovenia, with a perimeter of approximately 360 meters—comparable to Ljubljana Castle and only slightly smaller than the Old Castle above Celje with its full defensive walls. The complex once included multiple residential wings, economic buildings, defensive structures, and courtyards, reflecting its role as an administrative and economic hub.

Baroque Transformation and the Batthyány Era

The castle acquired its present Baroque appearance in the 17th century, when it came into the possession of the influential Hungarian noble family Batthyány. As one of the most powerful families in the Kingdom of Hungary, the Batthyánys undertook extensive renovations. The exterior was redesigned with Baroque architectural elements, while the interior was richly furnished. During this period, a castle park was established west of the complex, planted with exotic trees brought from various parts of the world—from North American oaks to Asian ornamental species. The park served as a space for walks, hunting, and social representation, reflecting the aristocratic lifestyle of the time.

The Castle in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries

In the 19th century, the castle retained its role as a regional center, even as the importance of feudal structures gradually declined. Nevertheless, it remained a symbol of local authority and identity. In the early 20th century, the castle was still privately owned, but economic changes and political upheavals began to leave visible marks on its condition.

Interwar Period

Between the two world wars, Goričko remained a peripheral area of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia). The castle was still privately owned but no longer held its former economic significance. Due to the region’s distance from major urban centers and economic routes, development stagnated, which was reflected in the declining maintenance of the castle complex.

After the Second World War – Expropriation and Decline

After 1945, the castle underwent a dramatic shift. The Soviet Red Army occupied the area at the end of the war, and most of the castle’s interior furnishings, furniture, and artworks disappeared during this period. After the Soviet forces withdrew, the castle passed into state ownership but was largely neglected. In the decades that followed, various users occupied the building—from the military to agricultural organizations—further accelerating its deterioration.

Restoration and Modern Use

In 1985, gradual restoration work began, initially limited to urgent repairs. A turning point came in 1993, when systematic restoration of the oldest part of the complex—the palas—and the northern wing began. Structural restoration was completed in 2006, enabling further revitalization of the site.

Since 2003, the restored parts of the castle have housed the headquarters of the Goričko Nature Park Public Institute, responsible for the protection of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. The castle also hosts the visitor information center for the trilateral cross-border Goričko–Raab–Őrség Nature Park. The ground floor contains workshops dedicated to traditional crafts, preserving local knowledge and contributing to regional identity.

Today, Grad Castle is a vibrant cultural, tourist, and educational center. In addition to permanent exhibitions, it hosts numerous events, festivals, professional meetings, and weddings. Its role has transformed from a feudal stronghold into a modern hub where nature, heritage, and sustainable development converge.