Special Property: Gradac Castle

Executive summary

The Ministry of Culture is seeking investor and developer clients with the ability to take over running of the Gradac Castle located in the south-eastern part of Slovenia as leasehold or freehold. For the castle to become a fully-operational tourist attraction, the investor will have to complete the building work and equip  the castle to open its doors to the public.

The Gradac Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Bela Krajina built on the remains of the prehistoric settlements, a location equally attractive today as it was back then, partly due to its attractive position at the river bend. The Gradac Castle was first mentioned in the documents from 1326 and then in 1488. With the imminent Turkish invasion, the castle got additional walls and there is still a tower and a draw bridge to be recognized despite later remodeling. The coat-of-arms of the Gusić family still overlooks the entrance and there is a mausoleum of the Gusić family (1831) in the parkland. The castle belonged to the Thurn - Valsassina family in the 17th century. In 1629, it came into the possession of the Burgstall and then of the Gusić family. After the World War II, the castle served as a school and as accommodation for several families until now.

The floor area is 1461 m2.

Intended function

According to the master plan prepared in 2008, the Gradac Castle will be a small hotel. A number of activities could be organized in the ancillary buildings. Property development is also possible since the surroundings have been earmarked for tourism hospitality and leisure. The details of the attraction’s future will depend on the investor.

Total cost/budget

The estimated value of the castle renovation is 4.9 million euros. To restore the gardens and the damaged statues to their previous splendor has been estimated at 12 million euros.

Advantages

Once brought back to pristine condition, the estate will be able to provide an excellent amenity for both the tourist trade and local people alike. Its position at the river bend, its central position in Bela Krajina, geographically, ethnically and culturally specific land between the Kolpa River and Gorjanci hills, in the vicinity of Zagreb and the motorway leading to the resorts on the Adriatic coast, provide a cutting edge to the Gradac Castle. 

It can be a shining example of the way that heritage can be used to benefit everyone and generate an income stream for the investor and the local authority.